On April 17, 2025, Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee was the site of a tragic mass shooting that resulted in two deaths and six injuries. The shooter, 20-year-old FSU student Phoenix Ikner, opened fire near the student union around lunchtime. Ikner, the stepson of a Leon County Sheriff’s deputy, used his stepmother’s former service weapon in the attack (The Guardian).
The victims who lost their lives were identified as Robert Morales, a university dining coordinator, and Tiru Chabba, a regional vice president for Aramark Collegiate Hospitality. Both were attending a meeting when they were fatally shot. Among the injured, five suffered gunshot wounds, and one was hurt while fleeing the scene. All injured individuals were hospitalized, with one in critical condition (AP News).
Eyewitnesses reported that Ikner arrived on campus in an orange Hummer, brandishing a rifle before switching to a pistol to carry out the shootings. He was described as wearing an orange t-shirt and khaki shorts, blending in with the student population. Law enforcement responded quickly, confronting and shooting Ikner within approximately four minutes. He sustained a gunshot wound to the jaw and was hospitalized with significant injuries (New York Post).
In the immediate aftermath, FSU canceled all classes and business operations through April 18 and suspended all athletic events through April 20. A vigil was held on April 18 at Langford Green in front of Doak Campbell Stadium to honor the victims. The university also established a Student Emergency Fund to financially support those affected by the shooting (Fox 5 Atlanta).
Classes resumed on April 21, with the university offering flexibility for students and faculty. Attendance policies were waived, and remote learning options were made available. FSU President Richard McCullough emphasized the importance of accommodating individual needs during recovery (WAFB). Brady Shinkarik (11) states, “I think it is good that they are offering support to those affected because any shooting is extremely traumatizing.”
To support the mental health of the campus community, FSU’s Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) provided 24/7 assistance, and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offered counseling services for staff. The Victim Advocate Program was also highlighted as a resource for confidential support (Forward Pathway).
As the FSU community continues to heal, the university remains committed to providing support and resources to those affected by this tragedy. Yorba Linda student Elise Doty (11) comments, “This shooting reminds me of the violence I’ve learned so much about from United States history. It is devastating that events like this are still happening to this day.”
