Gunman uses deputy mother’s handgun in deadly Florida State University shooting

What happened in the Florida State University campus shooting?

A gunman opened fire on the campus of Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee on April 17, 2025, killing two individuals and injuring six others in a mid-morning shooting that has sent shockwaves through the academic and law enforcement communities. Authorities later identified the alleged shooter as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, a student at FSU and the son of a long-serving deputy from the Leon County Sheriff’s Office.

Law enforcement confirmed that Ikner used his mother’s decommissioned service weapon—a handgun she was permitted to retain after leaving active duty—as the firearm in the deadly assault. The incident occurred around 11:50 a.m. near the university’s bustling student union building, a central location frequented by students for social and academic gatherings.

The victims included individuals both affiliated and unaffiliated with the university. Authorities confirmed that the two people killed were not enrolled students, while the six injured—five by gunfire and one through a fall while fleeing—are recovering, with some requiring critical medical care.

How did the shooter obtain the weapon?

Investigators revealed that the handgun used in the attack had previously been issued to Ikner’s mother during her 18-year tenure with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. Although the firearm had been officially decommissioned, she retained it for personal use in accordance with department policy, which allows retired or departing officers to purchase their service weapons.

The fact that Ikner had access to the weapon has raised serious concerns over how firearms retained by law enforcement families are stored, accessed, and managed—particularly when adult children remain in the household. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the weapon was stored securely or how Ikner was able to obtain it in the lead-up to the shooting.

What led up to the deadly campus shooting?

According to eyewitness accounts and preliminary police reports, the incident began with an attempted use of a shotgun by Ikner, which malfunctioned. After the weapon jammed, Ikner reportedly returned to his vehicle, retrieved the handgun, and resumed his attack near the student union.

The rapid escalation from malfunction to active shooting left students and faculty scrambling for safety. Law enforcement officers, including those already stationed on campus, responded within minutes. Ikner allegedly refused to comply with officers’ commands and was shot during his apprehension. He was hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries and remains in custody.

Investigators, including agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), are now examining whether the attack was premeditated and what may have motivated it. Authorities have not ruled out mental health concerns or personal grievances as potential contributing factors.

Who was the Florida State gunman and what was his background?

Phoenix Ikner, identified by law enforcement as the shooter, had been enrolled at Florida State University and was also previously involved with the youth advisory council of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. His participation in law enforcement outreach programs included attending training sessions and public safety briefings, which aimed to strengthen community engagement and trust between the police and young adults.

His involvement in these programs has only intensified scrutiny over how individuals with close ties to law enforcement may still perpetrate violent acts, especially when they have direct or indirect access to firearms once used in official capacities.

Authorities are currently reviewing Ikner’s digital footprint, academic records, and past interactions with law enforcement to determine whether any red flags were missed or ignored. No official motive has yet been released.

What are the implications for gun access and law enforcement protocols?

This incident has reignited discussions around firearm retention policies for retired law enforcement personnel. Under existing guidelines in many jurisdictions, officers who leave active service may purchase their service weapons at nominal costs. These policies are typically justified on the grounds of self-defense and officer familiarity with their weapons.

However, critics argue that insufficient regulations regarding secure storage and access to these weapons can increase the risk of family-related misuse. In the case of Phoenix Ikner, the circumstances under which he accessed the handgun remain a critical aspect of the investigation and may prompt legislative reviews both in Florida and nationwide.

Gun control advocates have called for reforms that would require more stringent storage requirements for ex-law enforcement firearms retained within private residences. Others have demanded regular wellness checks and inventory verifications for such weapons to ensure they are not misused by household members or stolen.

How is the Florida State University community responding?

In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Florida State University canceled classes and all athletic events for the remainder of the week. The university’s president expressed condolences to the families of the victims and emphasized the administration’s full cooperation with law enforcement.

Crisis counselors have been made available to students, faculty, and staff, and several vigils have already been held on campus. University security officials are now reviewing existing safety protocols, including how firearms are detected on campus and the speed of response to active shooter threats.

Student leaders and campus organizations have begun calling for broader mental health initiatives and tighter campus security. The shooting has also prompted conversations about expanding gun-free zones and incorporating technology such as AI-powered surveillance to proactively identify threats.

What are authorities doing now, and what comes next?

As the investigation proceeds, law enforcement agencies are examining Ikner’s mental state, motivations, and how he planned the attack. Forensic experts are analyzing both the handgun and the malfunctioned shotgun to determine whether they were legally acquired and properly registered.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, in coordination with the FBI and local agencies, is reviewing surveillance footage, witness statements, and ballistic evidence. The goal is to build a full timeline of the events leading up to the shooting and determine whether others may have been aware of Ikner’s intentions.

Prosecutors are expected to bring formal charges, including multiple counts of first-degree murder and attempted murder. Depending on the investigation’s outcome, additional charges related to weapons violations or endangerment may also follow.

What broader lessons does this incident reveal?

The shooting at Florida State University has brought to light several critical issues related to gun control, campus safety, and the intersection of familial law enforcement ties and weapon access. It raises urgent questions about how securely service weapons are stored after being decommissioned and whether current policies adequately address risks posed by adult dependents with access to them.

It also underscores the importance of proactive mental health intervention and the challenges educational institutions face in identifying potential threats within their student populations. The attack’s proximity to major student centers has amplified calls for advanced security technology and community engagement to prevent future tragedies.

As investigations continue, both the university and law enforcement agencies are expected to face growing scrutiny from lawmakers, students, and the public. The decisions they make in response may shape future protocols on weapon retention, campus safety, and the broader debate over gun access and accountability.