Breaking news: Shooter at Florida State University campus

Florida State University in Tallahassee has been locked down Thursday afternoon following an “active shooter” spree on the main campus. Students were running and gunshots were heard.

“Continue to shelter in place. Police have responded to an active shooter call at the Student Union. Stay alert for more information,” according to the FSU’s emergency alert.

And, “all classes and university events including athletics events scheduled for Thursday, April 17, 2025, have been cancelled. Individuals not already on the campus at this time should avoid coming to the Tallahassee main campus.”

According to the Tallahassee Democrat, the main hospital, Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, has confirmed six patients in connection with the mass shootings. One person is in “critical condition and the rest in serious condition.”

Leon County Sheriff’s officials confirmed later in the day that two people had died and five were injured. According to the Democrat, “the shooter was identified as Phoenix Ikner, the son of a Leon County sheriff’s deputy, and used a weapon belonging to his parent.”

The shootings came this week during Passover and the Easter season, which is usually a holy and joyful holiday. In addition, the Trump administration has been in a crossfire with various universities, including Harvard College, over academic freedom and numerous other higher education issues.

USA TODAY reported that President Trump “has been ‘fully briefed’ on the shootings.”

Meanwhile, in Florida’s state capital, Gov. Ron DeSantis, on X, said, “Our prayers are with our FSU family and state law enforcement is actively responding.”