Florida State University shooting leaves two dead; Suspect identified as Deputy Sheriff’s son
Tallahassee: A tragic shooting incident at Florida State University (FSU) on Thursday left two people dead and five others injured, prompting a major police response and lockdown across the campus. Authorities have identified the alleged shooter as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, a student at FSU and the son of a longtime Leon County deputy sheriff.
According to law enforcement officials, Ikner used his mother’s former service weapon during the shooting. The firearm was issued to her during her time with the department. Sheriff Walt McNeil confirmed that Ikner had participated in the Sheriff’s Office training programs in the past, which may have given him familiarity with handling firearms.
The shooting began around midday near the student union, one of the busiest areas on campus. Eyewitnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots and described scenes of panic as students fled the area. One student, identified as Wayne, told local outlet WCTV that “everyone just started running out of the student union. We heard about eight to 10 gunshots.”
In video footage aired by CNN, Ikner was seen walking across a campus lawn, firing at fleeing individuals. Authorities responded quickly, and the suspect was shot by police before being taken into custody. He is currently being treated at a hospital, and his condition has not been disclosed.
FSU President Richard McCullough expressed deep sorrow over the incident. “This is a tragic day for Florida State University. We’re absolutely heartbroken by the violence that occurred on our campus earlier today,” he said in a statement. All classes were cancelled for the day, and students were advised to stay off campus.
The university, which has a student population of over 40,000, immediately went into lockdown, with shelter-in-place orders issued as emergency responders secured the area. Students shared videos on social media showing evacuations and armed officers patrolling the grounds.
Among those injured were individuals not affiliated with FSU. Authorities confirmed the two fatalities were not FSU students but declined to release their identities pending family notification.
One student, Sam Swartz, who was in the basement of the student union when the incident occurred, recalled barricading himself and others using trash cans and plywood. “Everyone started freaking out. I remember learning to do the best you can to make them take time,” he told the Tallahassee Democrat.
U.S. President Donald Trump responded to the shooting, calling it "a shame" while reiterating his stance in support of the Second Amendment. “These are awful things, but the gun doesn't shoot; the people do,” he said.
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KSRTC to run 1000 special services to clear Christmas rush
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation will operate 1000 additional special services in view of the Christmas festival.
In addition to the existing schedule, the special services will run on 19.12.2025, 20.12.2025 and 24.12.2025. Further, special buses will be operated from various places of intra & Interstate places to Bengaluru on 26.12.2025 & 28.12.2025.
Special buses will be exclusively operated from Bengaluru Kempegowda Bus Station to Dharmastala, Kukkesubramanya, Shivamogga, Hassan, Mangaluru, Kundapura, Shringeri, Horanadu, Davangere, Hubbali, Dharwad, Belagavi, Vijayapura, Gokarna, Sirsi, Karwar, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Ballari, Koppala, Yadgir, Bidar, Tirupathi, Vijayawada, Hyderabad and other places.
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Special buses from Mysuru Road Bus Station will be exclusively operated towards Mysuru, Hunsur, Piriyapatna, Virajpet, Kushalanagar, Madikeri.
The corporation has also announced a discount of 5 per cent on the fare if four or more passengers book tickets under a single reservation. A discount of 10 per cent will be extended on return journey tickets if onward and return tickets are booked simultaneously.
In addition to the above, special buses will be operated from all Taluk/District Bus Stands in the jurisdiction of KSRTC based on the traffic needs.
