A coordinated response from multiple law enforcement agencies on Thursday prevented further tragedy after an active shooter opened fire on the Florida State University campus just before noon.
The incident, which unfolded in under five minutes, resulted in eight individuals being injured and sent shockwaves through the university and the wider Tallahassee community.
According to a timeline released today by the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD), the incident began to unfold around 11:56 a.m. when the suspect, identified as Phoenix Ikner, began firing a handgun while moving through buildings and green spaces on the FSU campus.
The timeline details Ikner’s activities leading up to the shooting:
- Approximately 11:00 a.m.: Phoenix Ikner arrives at an FSU parking garage and remains in the vicinity, moving in and out of a vehicle for about an hour.
- 11:51 a.m.: Ikner departs the parking garage.
- Between 11:56 and 11:57 a.m.: The first shot is fired as Ikner moves across campus.
- 11:58 a.m.: Multiple 911 calls flood dispatch reporting an active shooter on campus, coinciding with the immediate response of nearby law enforcement officers.
- 12:00 p.m.: Responding officers engage and shoot the suspect, Phoenix Ikner, who is then taken into custody.
PREVIOUS REPORT: A shooting unfolded at Florida State University (FSU) midday Thursday, leaving two people dead and at least five others injured, according to authorities.
The 20-year-old gunman, believed to be a student at the university, used a former service weapon belonging to his mother, a Leon County sheriff’s deputy, in the attack, police confirmed.
Florida State University Police Chief Jason Trumbower stated in a press briefing that the two individuals killed were not students at the university.
The shooter was also injured and is currently receiving medical attention, along with the five other victims who are being treated at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. The extent of their injuries was not immediately clear.
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The incident triggered a campus-wide lockdown and sent waves of fear through the student body. The university issued an active shooter alert around midday, reporting police activity near the student union.
This story will be updated
ORIGINAL REPORT: At least seven people were injured in a shooting at Florida State University (FSU) on Thursday, according to Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. The hospital confirmed to CNN that it was receiving and treating patients from the university campus.
A spokesperson for Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare stated that one patient is in critical condition, while five others are in serious condition.
Law enforcement sources with direct knowledge of the situation have confirmed that a suspect is in custody following the reported shooting. The incident reportedly occurred on the FSU campus on Thursday afternoon.
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The exact extent of all the injuries remains unclear, according to the law enforcement sources, who cited preliminary reports.
Earlier, the university issued an alert on X, stating, “An active shooter has been reported in the area of Student Union. Police are on scene or on the way. Continue to seek shelter and await further instructions. Lock and stay away from all doors and windows and be prepared to take additional protective measures.”
Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare released a statement confirming they are “actively receiving and caring for patients” from the shooting. The spokesperson added, “At this time, details are still unfolding, and we do not yet have specific information to share.”
This is a developing story, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available. Authorities are likely to release more details regarding the circumstances of the shooting and the identities of those involved in the coming hours.
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