FSU shooting

Who is the shooter in the mass shooting at Florida State University? This is what we know so far

Law enforcement officials have identified the suspected gunman in today’s mass shooting at Florida State University.

Alicia Devine

British journalist and translator who joined Diario AS in 2013. Focuses on soccer – chiefly the Premier League, LaLiga, the Champions League, the Liga MX and MLS. On occasion, also covers American sports, general news and entertainment. Fascinated by the language of sport – particularly the under-appreciated art of translating cliché-speak.

Update: Apr 17th, 2025 17:53 EDT

The alleged gunman in a mass shooting at Florida State University is the son of a local sheriff’s deputy, police say.

At least two people were killed today when shots were fired near the FSU student union in Tallahassee, Florida, while at least six others were injured.

Who is the suspected FSU gunman?

In a press conference, Leon County sheriff Walter McNeil identified the suspected shooter as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner.

“He’s the son of a Leon County sheriff deputy,” McNeil told reporters. “Our deputy, Deputy Ikner, has been with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office for over 18 years. She has a tremendous job that she’s done. Her service to this community has been exceptional.

“Unfortunately, her son had access to one of her weapons and that was one of the weapons that was found at the scene.

“And we are continuing our investigations into how that weapon was used and what other weapons, perhaps, he may have had access to.”

“Not a surprise he had access to weapons”

McNeil added: “The alleged shooter was also a longstanding member of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office Citizen Advisory Council.

“So he has been steeped in the Leon County Sheriff’s Office family, engaged in a number of training programs that we have. So it’s not a surprise to us that he had access to weapons.”

Per ABC News, law enforcement officials said that Ikner, who is a current FSU student, was shot by police and has been taken into custody with non-life threatening injuries.

FSU chief: “We’re absolutely heartbroken”

“This is a tragic day for Florida State University,” FSU president Richard McCullough told reporters. “We’re absolutely heartbroken by the violence that occurred on our campus earlier today.”

McCullough continued: “We’re working to support the victims, their families, and everyone affected by this traumatic event.”

Trump: “A horrible thing”

Speaking from the Oval Office during a meeting with the Italian prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, U.S. president Donald Trump said he had been “fully briefed” on the incident, adding: “It’s a shame. A horrible thing."