Tragedy at Florida State University: Deadly Shooting Sparks Panic and Grief
Florida State University in Tallahassee was shaken to its core after a gunman opened fire near the student union, leaving two dead and several injured.
Shocking Attack Leaves Campus Reeling
A peaceful day at Florida State University (FSU) turned into a nightmare on Thursday when a 20-year-old student opened fire, causing panic among students and staff. The terrifying incident resulted in the deaths of two men and injuries to at least six others, according to authorities.
As frightened students ran for cover, many were forced to leave behind their belongings – shoes, backpacks, and class notes – in their desperate bid to survive.
What Happened at Florida State?
The shooting began just before lunchtime outside the FSU Student Union.
Students described scenes of chaos as they barricaded doors and huddled together in fear.
The suspect, Phoenix Ikner, a student at the university and son of a local sheriff’s deputy, was quickly confronted and wounded by police officers after refusing to follow their commands.
The motive behind the attack is still unknown, according to law enforcement.
Eyewitnesses Recall Moments of Terror
Students Describe the Horror
Carolina Sena, a 21-year-old accounting student, was inside the student union when the shooting started.
“Everyone was crying and panicking. We tried to hide in a small corner of the basement to protect ourselves,” she recalled.
Aidan Stickney, 21, saw the suspect try to fire a shotgun, which jammed. The attacker then retrieved a handgun and shot a woman.
“I got lucky today. I really did,” he said after narrowly escaping harm.
Holden Mendez, a political science student, had just left the union when he heard gunshots.
“I tried to calm people down and reassured them that we were safe inside the building.”
Andres Perez, 20, was in a nearby classroom. He said:
“As soon as we heard the lockdown alarm, we pushed desks against the door. I was terrified.”
Who Were the Victims?
Police confirmed that the two people killed were not students.
Five others were injured by gunfire.
A sixth person was hurt while fleeing the scene.
All injured victims were said to be in fair condition as of Thursday night, according to Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare.
Shooter Identified as Phoenix Ikner
Authorities identified the shooter as Phoenix Ikner, a student and former youth advisory council member for the Leon County Sheriff’s Office.
Ikner used a handgun that belonged to his mother, a sheriff’s deputy for over 18 years.
Sheriff Walt McNeil said the gun was her old service weapon, kept for personal use after the department upgraded their firearms.
Investigators say it’s no surprise Ikner had access to weapons due to his involvement in sheriff-led youth programmes.
Community Responds with Mourning and Vigil
In the wake of the tragedy:
Candlelit memorials and floral tributes appeared across campus by Friday morning.
A school-wide vigil was organised to honour the victims and support those affected.
Classes and university sports events were cancelled for the rest of the week.
Leaders Speak Out
University President Richard McCullough expressed his sorrow:
“Our hearts go out to our students and the victims of this terrible tragedy.”
Former President Donald Trump, speaking from the Oval Office, called the incident “horrible,” but stated he wouldn’t support any new gun control laws.
“The gun doesn’t do the shooting, the people do,” he said.
A Painful Reminder of Past Violence
This isn’t the first time FSU has faced such trauma. In 2014, a gunman opened fire in the university’s main library, wounding three people before being shot and killed by police.
Florida State University, one of Florida’s 12 public universities, has a student population of around 44,000. This latest shooting has once again raised urgent questions about campus safety and gun access in the US.
Conclusion: A University in Shock, a Nation Reflecting
This heartbreaking event has left a scar on the FSU community. While students and staff begin the slow journey towards healing, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing issue of gun violence in educational institutions across America.
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