US: Florida State University shooting leaves 2 dead, 5 injured; gunman identified as deputy's son
PTC Web Desk: A tragic shooting at Florida State University (FSU) on Thursday left two persons dead and five others injured, according to CNN reports. The violence unfolded near the university’s student union when a 20-year-old man opened fire on students.
The suspect, identified as Phoenix Ikner — the son of a Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy — was shot by the police after failing to comply with commands. He is currently hospitalised, said Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell during a press conference. Revell added that there is no indication the suspect fired at responding officers.
Leon County Sheriff Walter A. McNeil confirmed Ikner had access to a weapon owned by his mother. Authorities recovered multiple firearms, including a handgun used in the shooting, a shotgun found inside the Student Union, and another gun from the suspect's vehicle.
“Unfortunately, her son had access to one of her weapons and that was one of the weapons recovered at the scene,” McNeil stated, noting that the investigation remains ongoing.
FSU president Richard McCullough described the day as “tragic” and extended condolences to those affected. In response to the shooting, the university has cancelled all classes, events, and operations through Friday. All athletic events in Tallahassee over the weekend have also been cancelled. Essential employees are instructed to check with supervisors for guidance.
US President Donald Trump, speaking from the Oval Office, confirmed he had been briefed. “It’s a horrible thing, horrible that things like this take place,” Trump said. The White House, through Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, also confirmed that the situation is being actively monitored.nt #WhiteHouseUpdate
- With inputs from agencies
