September 19, 2025

Tragic Shooting at Florida State University

News Summary

A shooting at Florida State University has left two individuals dead and several others injured. The shooter, a 20-year-old, used his mother’s service weapon. The community is mourning the loss and raising concerns over campus safety as classes are canceled and memorials are established.

Tallahassee, Florida — A tragic shooting occurred at Florida State University (FSU) on April 17, 2025, around lunchtime, resulting in two fatalities and at least six injuries. The shooter has been identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, the son of a sheriff’s deputy, who utilized his mother’s former service weapon to perpetrate the attack.

The shooting claimed the lives of two individuals who were not students at the university: Robert Morales, a dining coordinator, and Tiru Chabba, an employee of a campus vendor. Witness accounts from students describe scenes of chaos and panic, with many seeking shelter in the student union’s bowling alley and a freight elevator as gunfire rang out.

Ikner was shot and wounded by police officers after he refused to comply with their commands during the incident. The rapid police response has been praised for potentially preventing further casualties. Initial reports indicate that at least five individuals suffered gunshot wounds, while a sixth sustained injuries while attempting to escape the scene. All injured individuals have been reported to be in fair condition at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare.

Authorities have yet to establish a recognized motive for the shooting, leading to heightened concerns within the university community. As a precaution, the university has canceled classes for the remainder of the week and suspended all home athletic events. In honor of the victims, a memorial has been established outside the student union.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in memory of Morales and Chabba. Following the incident, FSU President Richard McCullough expressed his heartbreak over the tragic events and extended his condolences to the families affected. Classes at FSU are expected to resume shortly, with remote options made available for students who may feel unsafe.

Shooting Details and Immediate Response

Ikner had access to the weapon because his mother, a sheriff’s deputy, retained the service weapon after transitioning to new equipment. He had been involved with the sheriff’s office youth advisory council and participated in several training programs, raising questions about how he managed to carry out the attack.

This incident is not the first of its kind at FSU. A previous shooting occurred in 2014 when a gunman injured three individuals before being killed by police. In response to these recent events, university officials have initiated discussions about enhancing campus safety measures. New security procedures are being planned, including the installation of panic and lockdown buttons across campus.

National Context and Reactions

In the aftermath of the shooting, notable figures have responded. President Donald Trump described the incident as a “shame” but indicated he would not support new gun legislation. This statement reflects the ongoing national debate surrounding gun control and public safety in the wake of mass shooting incidents.

As the community mourns and seeks to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragedy, the university community and local authorities remain focused on improving student security and ensuring a safe learning environment for all students and staff at Florida State University.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER

The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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