The suspect in the Florida State University shooting reportedly shared “white supremacist views” with concerned classmates before yesterday’s attack that killed two people and injured six others.
Phoenix Ikner had a tumultuous childhood, according to court records showing the biological mother of the 20-year-old was accused of removing him from the U.S. when he was 10.
He later changed his name from Christian Eriksen to share the surname of his mother, Leon County Deputy Jessica Ikner, whose former service weapon he used during the shooting, police said.
His biological mother, Anne-Mari Eriksen, told ABC News on Friday that she initially worried he might have been hurt; when he was named a suspect, she “collapsed.”
"There’s so much that needs to be said about this, but I just can’t talk without crying. We need time to process all this,” she said.
Following the attack, a classmate at Ikner’s former school claimed the suspect was told to leave a “political round table” club after he “espoused so much white supremacist rhetoric, and far-right rhetoric as well, to the point where we had to exercise that rule.”
Once Ikner is released from the hospital, where he is expected to be for a while, he’ll be “taken to a local detention facility where he will face the charges up to and including first-degree murder,” Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell said Friday.
Investigators had not revealed a motive as of Friday evening or released the victims’ identities, but some family members have come forward.
The two victims who lost their lives were identified Friday as Tiru Chabba and Robert Morales. Both men were fathers.
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Key Points
- Hospital issues update on injured victims
- What we know about suspected shooter Phoenix Ikner
- FSU shooting suspect Phoenix Ikner pictured
- Suspect supported 'white supremacist rhetoric' - report
- Injured grad student says she was forced to 'play dead' after being struck by a bullet
This concludes our live coverage
00:01
,
Kelly Rissman
Our live coverage has ended.
Here's a full breakdown of what we know about the victims:
For more on the suspected shooter, here’s what we know:
Suspect in custody - report
Thursday 17 April 2025 18:19
,
Rhian Lubin
A suspect is in custody following reports of an active shooter at FSU, according to CNN.
The network cited two law enforcement sources with direct knowledge of the situation.
Pictured: Students wait for news following active shooter alert
Thursday 17 April 2025 18:27
,
Rhian Lubin
Florida State University students wait for news after reports of an active shooter incident at the school’s Tallahassee campus.
A suspect is in custody, according to a report.
Florida officials respond to active shooter reports
Thursday 17 April 2025 18:35
,
Rhian Lubin
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and other state officials have reacted to the news of an active shooter at FSU today.
Our prayers are with our FSU family and state law enforcement is actively responding. https://t.co/gT4mDwWsGC
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) April 17, 2025
My team and I are monitoring reports of an active shooter on FSU’s campus. It’s too early to understand the extent of the violence, but early reports are very disturbing.
— Dr. Neal Dunn (@DrNealDunnFL2) April 17, 2025
Follow all local guidance. Shelter in place. Stay safe. Thank you to our brave first responders for…
Praying for the safety of everyone at FSU and a swift recovery for those injured. My team has been in touch with local law enforcement and continues to monitor the situation - students should continue to follow directions from school officials. https://t.co/C4NxX7Fscj
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) April 17, 2025
Number of injured being treated in hospital rises to six, with one in critical condition - report
Thursday 17 April 2025 18:50
,
Rhian Lubin
The number of people being treated at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital has risen to six, MSNBC reports.
One is reported to be in a critical condition.
Trump responds to shooting - 'It's a horrible thing'
Thursday 17 April 2025 18:55
,
Rhian Lubin
President Donald Trump has reacted to the shooting at FSU.
“Thank you very much everybody, and I've been briefed on the Florida State University, Tallahassee, active shooting,” Trump said in the Oval Office Thursday.
“I guess it's an active shooter fully briefed as to where we are right now. It's a shame, horrible thing, horrible that things like this take place, and we'll have more to say about it later.”
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the White House is actively monitoring the situation.
'Every parent's worst nightmare' - Florida House Speaker
Thursday 17 April 2025 19:00
,
Rhian Lubin
Florida Speaker of the House Rep. Danny Perez said today’s incident was “every parent’s worst nightmare” in a social media post.
What we are watching unfold at FSU is terrifying and every parent’s worst nightmare. We are continuing to monitor the news here in Tallahassee and urge everyone to pray for the students, families, faculty, first responders and all involved.
— Daniel Perez (@Daniel_PerezFL) April 17, 2025
FSU student describes seeing ' nothing but blue lights'
Thursday 17 April 2025 19:06
,
Mike Bedigan
Florida State University student Daniella Streety described seeing “nothing but blue lights from the police presence” and long lines of students with their hands raised being evacuated from the campus.
“I did see them carry out one student in what looked like on a stretcher and kept them in the road until an ambulance was able to pick them up,” she told NBC.
“Directly across from me there’s a building about 50 feet outside of the window. … There was a student injured there as well and they had to transport them in a desk chair to the road to then be transported via ambulance.”
Watch: Live from Florida State University campus
Thursday 17 April 2025 19:14
,
Mike Bedigan
Tallahassee Police Department says one suspect in custody
Thursday 17 April 2025 19:22
,
Mike Bedigan
A spokesperson for the Tallahassee Police Department confirmed to NBC News that authorities have one suspect is in custody.
No additional information was provided but a media briefing is scheduled for later on Thursday afternoon.
Suspect in custody at Florida State University: What we know about the alleged shooter
Thursday 17 April 2025 19:30
,
Mike Bedigan
Six people were injured in a shooting on Florida State University’s Tallahassee campus on Thursday.
FSU police locked the campus down after reports of an active shooter and students were told to shelter in place.
Here’s what we know:
FSU classes and sporting events cancelled over the weekend
Thursday 17 April 2025 19:37
,
Mike Bedigan
FSU officials said that all classes and other business operations would be cancelled on Friday also, in the wake of the mass shooting on its Tallahassee campus.
“All classes and business operations are canceled through Friday, April 18. Essential employees should check with their supervisors for further reporting instructions,” an online statement read.
Athletics events in Tallahassee were also canceled throughout the weekend.
At least one dead following FSU shooting – report
Thursday 17 April 2025 19:41
,
Mike Bedigan
At least one person has died following the shooting at Florida State University’s Tallahassee campus, according to reports.
A senior Florida law enforcement official briefed on the matter confirmed the news to NBC.
FBI assisting law enforcement in Tallahassee
Thursday 17 April 2025 19:47
,
Mike Bedigan
#FBI Jacksonville and the Tallahassee Resident Agency are on the scene at Florida State University and assisting our local law enforcement partners. pic.twitter.com/01ExtxwqtM
— FBI Jacksonville (@FBIJacksonville) April 17, 2025
Full story: One dead and at least five others hurt after shooting at Florida State University – Suspect in custody
Thursday 17 April 2025 19:55
,
Mike Bedigan
At least one person is reported to have died and five others are in serious condition following a shooting on Florida State University’s campus.
FSU locked the campus in Tallahassee, Florida, down on Thursday following reports of an active shooter and students were warned to shelter in place.
Read the full story here:
FSU issues update: Students told to avoid the area
Thursday 17 April 2025 19:59
,
Rhian Lubin
Florida State University has issued a new update and warned students to avoid the area.
The Student Union building and the surrounding area “is still considered an active crime scene,” FSU said in the update.
All classes and business operations on the main campus are canceled through Friday.
See the full update below:
Continue to shelter in place. Law enforcement is actively clearing rooms on the main campus. Continue to shelter in place until law enforcement contacts you.
— Florida State University (@FloridaState) April 17, 2025
Persons in need of immediate emergency assistance should call 9-1-1 or FSUPD at 850-644-1234.
Visit… pic.twitter.com/cIGTzrp08Q
Witness: ' I saw him shoot the lady like right in front of him'
Thursday 17 April 2025 20:12
,
Rhian Lubin
A witness has told how she saw the alleged shooter fire at a woman on campus.
FSU junior McKenzie Heeter told NBC News that she was near the student union when she saw “a guy in an orange Hummer” pull up and get out of his vehicle with a rifle.
He took out the weapon and shot in her direction, she said. She called the police just before midday to report the shooting.
“I think he was shooting and he missed. So he goes back into his car and grabs a pistol, then he turns and shoots the lady in front of him,” she said. “That’s when I just started running.
“When he turned back around with the pistol, I saw him shoot the lady like right in front of him. She was probably like 5 feet in front of him with the pistol,” Heeter added.
The student said she ran back to her apartment as fast as she could and warned others to stay away from campus.
Pictured: Students evacuate with hands above their heads
Thursday 17 April 2025 20:20
,
Rhian Lubin
Campus is secured - police
Thursday 17 April 2025 20:25
,
Rhian Lubin
Tallahassee Police has confirmed the campus is now secure, but warned students to stay away from the area.
They will share more details at a press conference at 4:30 p.m. this afternoon.
The @FloridaState campus has been secured. Multiple law enforcement agencies remain on site for the ongoing investigation. The Student Union & surrounding area are still considered an active crime scene. Individuals should not return to the area for any reason. (1/2)
— Tallahassee Police (@TallyPD) April 17, 2025
FSU: 'Law enforcement has neutralized the threat'
Thursday 17 April 2025 20:30
,
Rhian Lubin
FSU has issued another update confirming that police have neutralized the threat to campus.
“Law enforcement has neutralized the threat. Please avoid the Student Union, Bellamy, HCB Classroom Building, Rovetta A&B, Moore Auditorium, Shaw, Pepper, Hecht House and Carraway as they are still considered an active crime scene,” the university said.
“Individuals are free to move about other areas of campus. Individuals who may have witnessed anything of value should call 850-891-4987. Visit http://alerts.fsu.edu for official updates.”
Dad of Parkland school shooting victim reacts: 'American is broken'
Thursday 17 April 2025 20:40
,
Rhian Lubin
The father of a victim of the Parkland school shooting said “America is broken” in an emotional statement today.
Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter Jaime Guttenberg was murdered in the 2018 shooting, said that some of the survivors attend FSU.
America is broken. My daughter Jaime was murdered in the Parkland school shooting. Many of her friends who were lucky enough to survive that shooting went on to attend FSU. Incredibly, some of them were just a part of their 2nd school shooting and some were in the student…
— Fred Guttenberg (@fred_guttenberg) April 17, 2025
Students hid in the student union's bowling alley
Thursday 17 April 2025 20:54
,
Associated Press
Ryan Cedergren, a 21-year-old communications student, said he and about 30 others hid in the bowling alley in the union's lower level after seeing students running from a nearby bar.
“In that moment, it was survival,” he said.
After about 15 minutes, university police escorted the students out of the building and he saw a person getting emergency treatment on the lawn, he said.
Chris Pento told WCTV in Tallahassee that he and his twins were getting lunch at the student union during a campus tour when they heard gunshots. “It was surreal. And people just started running,” he told the TV station.
They packed into a service elevator after encountering locked doors at the end of a hallway. “That was probably the scariest point because we didn't know. It could get worse, right?” he said. “The doors opened and two officers were there, guns drawn.”
Suspect is among the hospitalized - report
Thursday 17 April 2025 21:01
,
Rhian Lubin
The suspect is among the patients taken to hospital, according to a report.
Law enforcement sources told CNN the suspect was shot in the incident and is being treated at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.
WATCH: 'That could have been me': FSU student speaks out after campus shooting
Thursday 17 April 2025 21:18
,
Kelly Rissman
Witnesses speak out about the 'surreal' campus shooting
Thursday 17 April 2025 21:27
,
Kelly Rissman
“It was just chaos,” one student told CBS Miami, noting how students began piling tables up and blocking the elevator to secure themselves in a classroom.
She said she saw a man being hauled away on a gurney who was bleeding: “It was hard to watch.”
Another witness said he heard eight to 10 gunshots. “It was surreal,” he told the outlet.
Trump vows to protect the Second Amendment after school shooting
Thursday 17 April 2025 22:09
,
Kelly Rissman
A reporter asked President Donald Trump about whether he hopes to see change with gun legislation.
“I'm a big advocate of the Second Amendment. I have been from the beginning. I protected it, and these things are terrible, but the gun doesn't do the shooting, the people do,” the president said.
“I will tell you that it's a shame. I'm just hearing about it now,” he added, noting he’ll say more later when he knows more information.
“As far as legislation is concerned, this has been going on for a long time. I have an obligation to protect the Second Amendment. I ran on the Second Amendment, among many other things, and I will always protect the Second Amendment,” Trump continued.
REPORTER: There are 2 deceased following that shooting at Florida State University. Is there any changes you want to see to gun legislation?
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 17, 2025
TRUMP: Look, I'm a big advocate of the 2nd Amendment ... these things are terrible but the gun doesn't do the shooting, the people do pic.twitter.com/8gdsKeHwIH
Student shooter in custody after killing two and wounding five at FSU
Thursday 17 April 2025 22:30
,
Kelly Rissman
Two people are dead and six others were taken to hospital in serious condition following after a 20-year-old student and son of a cop opened fire at Florida State University’s campus.
Phoenix Ikner was taken into custody following the brutal attack, which caused the campus in Tallahassee to be locked down on Thursday. FSU officials alerted students to reports of an active shooter and students were warned to shelter in place.
At a press conference Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil revealed that Ikner was the son of Leon County deputy Jessica Ikner, and had used a weapon owned by his mother to carry out the shooting.
Mike Bedigan has the latest.
'This event is tragic in more ways than you could ever fathom': Police officer discusses suspect's links to law enforcement
Thursday 17 April 2025 22:45
,
Kelly Rissman
Speaking at the press conference, Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil said that Phoenix Ikner, the 20-year-old suspected shooter, was involved in the law enforcement community. He was involved in the sheriff’s office’s Youth Advisory Council.
"This event is tragic in more ways than you people in the audience could ever fathom from a law enforcement perspective," McNeil said. "But I will tell you this, we will make sure that we do everything we can to prosecute and make sure that we send a message to folks that this will never be tolerated here in Leon County, and I dare say, across this state and across this nation."
Gun safety advocates and politicians send condolences after tragedy
Thursday 17 April 2025 23:03
,
Kelly Rissman
“My heart breaks for Florida State University,” Gabby Giffords said on X. “It’s horrifying that students who survived the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School seven years ago just lived through another. The constant gun violence must stop.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is praying for the entire Florida State community, he said in a video on X. The suspect “must and will be brought to justice to the fullest extent of the law,” the governor added.
“My heart goes out to everyone affected by the shooting at Florida State University,” Florida Congresswoman Frederica Wilson said in an X post. “Our places of learning should never be the target of violence—this should not be the reality on our campuses.”
Florida State Rep. Michele K. Rayner issued a statement in the wake of the shooting. “As an alumna of Florida State University and a current member of the Florida Legislature, I am heartbroken and deeply troubled by the tragic events that unfolded on FSU’s campus,” Rayner said.
“Our schools, colleges, and universities must be sanctuaries of safety and learning—not places marked by fear and violence. Once we have all the facts, we must respond with urgency and resolve to ensure that no community in Florida has to endure a tragedy like this again,” the state representative added.
What do we know about the shooting suspect?
Thursday 17 April 2025 23:56
,
Kelly Rissman
Phoenix Ikner, 20-year-old suspect, is now in police custody; he is a student at FSU majoring in political science.
Ikner was also a long-standing member of the LCSO youth advisory committee, McNeil said, and was “steeped” in the “family” of the sheriff’s office.
He added that it was “not a surprise” that Ikner had access to firearms, given his mother’s job.
According to online records, Ikner lives in Tallahassee, and registered as a Republican in 2022. He last voted in November 2024, according to the records. Earlier this year he was interviewed by FSU News about anti-Trump protests taking place on the campus.
“I think it’s a little too late, he’s [Trump] already going to be inaugurated on January 20 and there’s not really much you can do unless you outright revolt, and I don’t think anyone wants that,” he told the outlet at the time.
Here’s what we know.
Parkland survivors now attend FSU, marking the second school shooting they've had to endure
Friday 18 April 2025 00:15
,
Kelly Rissman
The father of a Parkland victim says his late daughter’s friends attend FSU.
Fred Guttenberg’s daughter Jaime was killed during the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. Now, her classmates have gone on to face a second school shooting in a seven-year span.
“America is broken. My daughter Jaime was murdered in the Parkland school shooting. Many of her friends who were lucky enough to survive that shooting went on to attend FSU,” Guttenberg said.
“Incredibly, some of them were just a part of their 2nd school shooting and some were in the student union today,” he continued in a post on X. “As a father, all I ever wanted after the Parkland shooting was to help our children be safe. Sadly, because of the many people who refuse to do the right things about reducing gun violence, I am not surprised by what happened today.”
Injured victims are now in 'fair condition'
01:00
,
Kelly Rissman
All six patients injured during the shooting are in fair condition, the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital told the Associated Press.
The news comes after the hospital said one individual was in critical condition.
The identities of the victims has not been released. But police said earlier Thursday that the two individuals killed in the shooting were not students.
The suspected shooter is also currently receiving medical care; his condition is not currently known.
'We are heartbroken': FSU president says in the wake of the shooting
01:38
,
Kelly Rissman
FSU President Richard McCullough issued a statement in the wake of the tragedy that left two dead and six injured.
“We are heartbroken. We are grieving with the families, friends, and loved ones of those who were lost. We are holding close those who are injured, and we are standing by everyone who is hurting,” he wrote on Thursday evening on X.
You can read his full message here.
Dear FSU community,
— FSU President Richard McCullough (@PresMcCullough) April 17, 2025
Today, we experienced a tragic and senseless act of violence at the heart of our campus.
At lunchtime, an active shooter opened fire at the Student Union. Two were killed. Six others were injured.
We are heartbroken. We are grieving with the families,…
Suspect espoused 'white supremacist rhetoric': report
01:46
,
Kelly Rissman
The shooting suspect allegedly espoused “white supremacist rhetoric” and was removed from a political club, NBC News reported.
Reid Seybold told the outlet that he and Ikner both attended Tallahassee State College before they transferred to FSU. Seybold was president of the "political round table" club.
At some point, Ikner was asked not to come back due to his controversial views, Seybold told the outlet.
"Basically our only rule was no Nazis — colloquially speaking — and he espoused so much white supremacist rhetoric, and far-right rhetoric, as well, to the point where we had to exercise that rule," Seybold said.
Seybold was in a building not far from the area where the shooting transpired; he said he heard gunshots. He texted everyone he loved, telling them how he felt: “I was getting ready to die."
Suspect 'never spoke about guns' years earlier in sheriff's office youth advisory council: report
01:57
,
Kelly Rissman
“It’s not a surprise to us that he had access to weapons,” Leon County Sheriff Walter McNeil said at Thursday’s press conference.
The suspect, 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, is the son of a deputy and was involved in the sheriff’s office Youth Advisory Council, McNeil said.
Years earlier, a fellow teen involved in the group said he never discussed firearms.
Jacob West, 18, and Ikner were part of the group in 2021-2022.
Ikner was always “in good spirits” and always proposing “really good ideas to help Leon County,” West told the New YorkTimes. “He never spoke about guns or anything.”
Former classmate 'shocked' to learn who suspect was: report
03:20
,
Kelly Rissman
Ikner’s former classmate says he was “shocked” to learn he was named a suspect.
“I was a bit shocked,” Nicholas Lobo, 19, told NBC News. Lobo and Ikner both attended Tallahassee State College last semester before they both transferred to FSU. The pair were in the same “political discourse group,” according to the outlet.
“I was driving when I saw someone message me and his name, and, like, I remembered it,” Lobo said, noting he didn’t know the suspect well.
Ikner tended to take more conservative positions, but wasn’t considered radical, Lobo said.
“He was pretty normal. He was nice,” he added.
Two men were killed in shooting, police chief says
03:44
,
Kelly Rissman
Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell provided an update on the conditions of the victims in the wake of, what he called, a “heinous and despicable act of violence.”
Earlier in the day, police said two people, who were not students, were killed in the shooting. In an evening statement, Revell identified them as men but gave no further information.
Five other victims were struck by gunfire while a sixth person was injured while attempting to run away from the shooting, he said. No further information about the victims has been released.
The 20-year-old suspect, Phoenix Ikner, remains hospitalized with “serious but non-life-threatening injuries.”
The crime scenes have been processed and the investigation remains open and active. The police department “is committed to bringing justice to the victims in this case,” the police chief said.
Hospital releases statement on 'heartbreaking situation'
08:18
,
Alex Ross
The six injured in the Thursday’s shooting at Florida State University were taken to the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.
In the hours after the incident, the hospital released a statement in which it said those injured were in a “fair condition”.
On its social media page, the hospital said: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that occurred today at FSU.
“Our hearts are with the students, families, and everyone impacted by this heartbreaking situation. TMH has received six patients related to this incident, all of which are currently in fair condition.
“Our dedicated trauma teams are providing the highest level of care to all patients, and we remain fully mobilized to meet their needs.
“We continue to work closely with emergency responders and public safety officials. Out of respect for patient privacy and to ensure the accuracy of information, we will provide updates as appropriate.”
08:39
,
Alex Ross
Last night, as darkness fell on Florida State University’s Tallahassee campus, students began laying flowers in remembrance of the two people killed in the shooting hours earlier.
Investigators say Phoenix Ikner, who is believed to be a Florida State student, used his mother’s former service weapon when he opened fire at the campus, also injuring at least six others.
The two men who died were not students, said Florida State University Police Chief Jason Trumbower.
Timeline on how shooting unfolded
08:58
,
Alex Ross
12.02pm: Florida State University issues alert on active gunman near student union buildings
12.20pm: Police respond to the scene as students instructed to take shelter
12.39pm: Second alert reiterates people should stay in shelter as police activity continues on campus
1.48pm: Donald Trump tells the world’s media is has been briefed on the shooting
1.50pm: First reports of six victims in hospital
2.44pm: Florida State University cancels all classes through to Friday as police clear campus rooms
3.18pm: Florida State University says law enforcement has neutralized the threat and lifts instructions to stay in shelter
Students tell of horror
09:08
,
Alex Ross
Following yesterday’s shooting at Florida State University’s Tallahassee campus, we’ve since been hearing from some of the students who were instructed to stay in shelter.
Emily Palmer, 21, was next to the student union when the shooting happened, she told CNN.
“I’m shaking … It’s just a lot going on,” Palmer said.
“I’m concerned about my friends. I have friends in class right who are getting evacuated by police with their hands up.”
Paula Maldonado told ABC News she was in class when the threat alarm went off and the sounded of yelling broke out outside.
"Everyone in my class quickly turned off the lights, put desks to block off the door and hid by the front of the classroom," she said.
"A cop came inside and I thought it was the shooter, so it was very scary. But after a couple of minutes another copy came back in and told us to go outside with our hands up."
Second shooting on the Florida State University Campus in 11 years
09:28
,
Alex Ross
Mass shootings on U.S. school campuses have become recurring tragedies in recent years.
Thursday's incident was the second shooting on the FSU campus in 11 years. In 2014, a graduate opened fire early at the school's main library, wounding two students and an employee as hundreds were studying for exams.
Notable mass shootings at other colleges or universities in recent years include the 2007 Virginia Tech massacre in Blacksburg, Virginia, where 32 people were killed and 23 injured.
In 2023, there were two college mass shootings, one at Michigan State University, where three students were killed and at least five others injured.
The other incident unfolded at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where three faculty members were killed before a suspect died in a shootout with the police.
What we know about suspected shooter
09:45
Hours after the shooting on Thursday, police identified the suspected gunman as Phoenix Ikner.
Here, Joe Sommerlad shares what we know about the 20-year-old Florida State University student.
