Live updates: FSU shooting victims honored at vigil. Victims killed in shooting identified

Florida State University's main campus in Tallahassee is closed today after a "heinous crime" took the lives of two people and left six others injured April 17.

A suspect, the 20-year-old son of a Leon County deputy , was shot by campus police when he didn't respond to commands to surrender , according to Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell.

Officials said the gunman, identified as Phoenix Ikner, began firing inside and outside the student union building shortly before noon and the FSU Alert system warned of an active shooter and to seek shelter. Now a campus community is trying to find a path toward healing after becoming America's latest mass school shooting.

➤ FSU shooting timeline:  See how the mass shooting unfolded

Here's what happened Friday:

A vigil from above: 'You're not alone'

The tight bond of the FSU family — built on students, faculty, alumni, and community members — was reflected in FSU President Richard McCullough's heartfelt assurances that it might hurt now, but they will heal by standing together.

"There is no manual on how we feel when something like this happens. I'm angry, you're angry…. I'm completely numb. Some of you are scared. I understand that," he said. "All those feelings are normal. There's no right response to tragedy. But I want to be clear —  you're not alone."

Read more about the vigil here.

'Come together and begin to heal': Challenger Learning Center and Fogg Planetarium open for free weekend shows

"In the wake of yesterday's tragic events, we're opening the Fogg Planetarium as a place for our community to come together and begin to heal," Challenger Center Director Alan Hanstein  wrote on Facebook. "From April 18-20, we'll be offering a special schedule of free shows designed to provide moments of calm and comfort."

"Alongside familiar favorites like Winnie the Pooh, The Muppets, Bob Ross, and Mister Rogers, we're featuring Beyond the Horizon — a meditative journey through the cosmos created specifically to help our community relax after times of crisis. Gentle music, soothing star fields, and a quiet, immersive space await anyone who needs a moment of peace. Come with friends, family, colleagues—or come alone. You are welcome here"

See the full schedule at www.challengertlh.com/showtimes

Students pick up the pieces after shooting rampage sparked campuswide panic

Madelynn Duggar, a junior at Florida State University, waited outside the Student Union Building the morning after the  mass shooting  to collect her computer, calculator and pencil case.

She was studying when the shots rang out and was forced to leave her things behind in the rush to escape what was happening outside.

"I have a motor, but I was worried that I couldn't go fast enough, and I didn't want to get shot," Duggar said, referring to her electric-powered wheelchair. "Now, I'm just trying to figure out how to get my stuff back."

Minutes later the college staff assisted Duggar and other students in retrieving their belongings, an indication of life getting back to "normal."

Read more about the day here.

Inside the Capitol: Rattled and lockdowned lawmakers

The Florida State University shooting hit state Rep. Christine Hunschofsky, D-Parkland, "like a punch in the gut."

Hunschofsky was mayor of Parkland when the 2018 mass shooting occurred at the city's Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and 17 people were killed.

Law enforcement swarmed the FSU campus as she was about to present a bill to expand a security program initiated after the Parkland shooting.

But the committee chair interrupted Hunschofsky to tell the meeting that there was a "law enforcement incident" at FSU and to avoid the campus. "I can't believe this is happening again," Hunschofsky said she thought as she stood at the lectern.

Click here for more about what it was like inside the Capitol as a tragedy unfolded about a mile away.

Gunman charged as police reveal details about five minute rampage

Phoenix Ikner waited in a Florida State University parking garage for nearly an hour before going on  a random shooting rampage  that left two people dead and six injured, all in the span of a few minutes.

The Tallahassee Police Department released a timeline of the shooting on April 17, giving a clearer picture of the horror that unfolded on campus. TPD Chief Lawrence Revell also discussed the shooting at police headquarters.

"The coordinated response was incredible," Revell said. "The first shot rang out at 11:56 or (11:57 a.m.), and within three to five minutes, the situation was over."

Read more about the charges and the police response here.

Watch: Vigil held on FSU campus, victims honored

FSU administrators, students, faculty and community members gathered for a vigil Friday on FSU's campus to honor the victims of Thursday's shooting that killed two and injured six.

Vigil planners were expecting the crowd of more than 2,000 people because they assumed many students would have returned home.

"We're family. Hard moments like these ... we show up for one another," FSU President Richard McCullough said choking back tears. "We need to keep doing that over the next weeks. Reach out, listen, be kind, be there."

"We will move forward, and we'll do it together, because we are, indeed, Florida State."

➤ FSU vigil: Community gathers after campus shooting that killed 2, injured more

FSU shooting timeline revealed

Tallahassee police provided a timeline of the April 17 shooting at Florida State University .

• 11 a.m.: Phoenix Ikner arrives at an FSU parking garage.

• 11: 51 a.m.: Phoenix Ikner leaves the parking lot.

• 11:56 or 11:57 a.m.: Phoenix Ikner fires the first shot, then walks in and out of buildings and green spaces, firing a handgun.

• 11:58 a.m.: 911 calls report a male actively shooting on FSU campus. Nearby police officers respond.

• By 12 p.m.: Phoenix Ikner is shot by responding officers and taken into custody.

➤ Read more timeline details here

Second victim killed in FSU shooting identified as Tiru Chabba

The second victim in the April 17 mass shooting at FSU has been identified as Tiru Chabba, 45, of Greenville, South Carolina.

Chabba was identified via email by The Strom Law Firm, retained by the family to "ensure that all those who bear responsibility for this senseless act of violence are held to account."

Chabba was on the FSU campus Thursday as an employee of a campus vendor when he was shot and killed by Phoenix Ikner.

He is survived by his wife and two children.

The other victim killed in Thursday's shooting was Robert Morales , FSU's dining coordinator, football coach for Leon High School and partner in a Tallahassee restaurant.

Change.org petition calls for locking FSU classroom doors

2:47 p.m.– As of Friday afternoon (April 18), more than 13,000 people have signed a Change.org petition demanding that Florida State University install locks on all classroom doors.

"The petition was launched within hours of the tragedy by FSU students who sheltered in classrooms without any way to secure the doors," a Change.org press release said.  

The release quoted students who said they "would have felt much safer" had they been able to lock themselves in the classrooms they were in at the time of the shooting.

"Students are calling on FSU to take immediate action, not only for those who endured yesterday's violence, but to prevent future tragedies," the release said.

An FSU spokesperson declined to comment on the petition. In a policy overview, however, the university covers procedures for classrooms that have been upgraded to Technology-Enhanced Classrooms (TEC). (It wasn't immediately clear how many classrooms have been upgraded.)

• Doors open automatically during normal class schedules. No card swipe is required.

• Doors automatically unlock 30 minutes before each scheduled class time.

• Doors automatically lock 10 minutes before the end of the last class of the day and before the end of any class with a break of 30 minutes or more before the next class.

• Doors require card swipes only for "special events" outside of normal class schedules.

How to help FSU victims in wake of mass shooting

The FSU Foundation set up a Student Emergency Fund to provide financial support to students and families affected by Thursday's mass shooting.

While donations can't be earmarked, they will be used to assist the injured, families of victims killed in the shooting, and impacted students. 

Donations can be made by clicking here .

"Our FSU community has been shaken by a tragic event on campus. Our hearts go out to the students, faculty, staff, and families affected by this senseless act of violence. In times like these, the strength and solidarity of our community are more important than ever," the FSU Foundation page states.

"Alumni and friends of FSU have always been a cornerstone of support for our students. Now, more than ever, your generosity can make a influential impact. Your support will help to provide immediate financial support to students and families directly impacted by the tragedy."

"Thank you for standing with FSU and showing that our community's spirit of care and compassion is unbreakable."

FSU shooter Phoenix Ikner's stepmother practiced shooting with him at firing range

Jessica Ikner, a middle school deputy, practiced shooting with her son, Phoenix Ikner, though "not in an official capacity," according to the Leon County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Walt McNeil said  Phoenix was "steeped in the Leon County Sheriff's Office  family."

He served on the agency's Youth Advisory Council and "being the son of law enforcement, meant he was constantly exposed to firearm safety," LCSO spokesperson Shonda Knight said.

Jessica Igner is currently on personal leave and is being reassigned,  "sensitivity of the matter and to make sure she is properly acclimated under the circumstances," Knight said.

Read the full story here.

FSU shooting victim identified as Robert Morales

One of the victims killed in Thursday's shooting on the Florida State University campus has been identified.

Robert Morales was the university's dining coordinator when he was shot and killed in the mass shooting.

Morales' brother shared the news on X , writing, ""Today we lost my younger brother," he posted. "I'm glad you were in my life."

Morales was a special teams football coach for Leon High School and a partner in the Tallahassee restaurant Gordos Cuban Cuisine.

Gordo's owner, Eddie Argamonte, called the shooting "a horrible, senseless tragedy."

Read the full story here .

Mayor Dailey speaks at Bethel

Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey addressed those gathered for a vigil at Bethel Baptist on Friday.

"We need to continue to keep this community in our prayers, our state in our prayers," he said. "We are blessed to live in the community where law enforcement works seamlessly together, Sheriff, police, state agencies, federal agencies, and we shouldn't take that for granted. EMS, that rushes in, stabilizes, transports to the hospital.

"The incredible care at TMH and its emergency room nurses, those doctors, administrators, all of them did a tremendous job yesterday."

Help is a phone call away

Noon: The Apalachee Center in Tallahassee offers a 24/7 Mental Health Helpline, staffed by its Mobile Response Team (MRT). It's available any day, any time at 800-342-0774.

"Our trained counselors are ready to respond in person or over the phone to support individuals and groups experiencing emotional distress, grief, or a mental health crisis — or those who simply need someone to talk to. We are here and prepared to help our community," a press release said.

TMH provides update on victims

10:47 a.m.– Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Vice President and Chief Communications Officer Stephanie Derzypolski said most of the victims of the April 17 FSU campus shooting are improving.

Derzypolski had announced that TMH expected two victims to be discharged, but was later unsure whether one or both would be released.

Three victims improved to "good" condition, and one remains in "fair" condition, she said. TMH will be holding a press conference at 1 p.m. at the hospital's auditorium.

—Elena Barrera

Victims families have been contacted. Students, staff urged to call family

10:00 a.m.– All victims' families have been contacted.

Many individuals have been separated from their belongings, including their personal cell phones, as a result of Thursday's events.

We continue to urge all students and staff to contact their family members and friends as soon as possible to let them know they are safe and well.

Some areas on FSU campus considered 'active crime scene' and should be avoided

9 a.m.:The Student Union and the surrounding area is still considered an active crime scene. The public and campus community should avoid the area.

Residence halls and select dining locations on the main campus remain open for student residents. 

The following buildings are currently closed:

• Student Union

• Bellamy

• HCB Classroom Building

• Rovetta A&B

• Moore Auditorium

• Shaw

• Pepper

• Strozier and Dirac Libraries

• Hecht House

• Carraway.

Individuals should not return to these buildings to retrieve personal property no sooner than 10 a.m. April 18.

Individuals are free to move about other areas of campus. Woodward Parking Garage is open, and vehicles may be retrieved at any time. 

FSU announces updated dining hours, student services

9 a.m.:Updated dining hours for April 18-April 20:

• Suwannee, 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

• Seminole Cafe, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 

• Vato Tacos, noon-10 p.m. 

• Tally Mac Shack, noon-10 p.m. 

• Chick-fil-A, 10:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. 

• Provision on Demand, 10:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. 

• The Den, Opens at 9:30 a.m.

Updated student services for April 18:

• DSST and Food Pantry, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (UCA, 4th Floor) 

• University Health Services, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 

• Leach Center, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 

• Strozier Library, CLOSED 

• Dirac Library, CLOSED 

Who is Phoenix Ikner?

9:47 a.m., April 18: Tallahassee police said Phoenix Ikner  opened fire  near the student union of Florida State University's Tallahassee campus,  killing two people  and injuring six more before officers arrived.

➤ Who is Phoenix Ikner? FSU shooting suspect was son of deputy, espoused radical ideas

Details are still trickling out, officials said Ikner, 20, is the son of a veteran Leon County sheriff's deputy, and he used her gun in the shootings. Ikner is a political science student at FSU known by other classmates for  espousing extremist conspiracy theories and hateful ideas .

Hospitalized FSU shooting victims improving

9:03 a.m., April 18:Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare issued a statement about the shooting victims.

"We are grateful for the outpouring of support for our emergency, trauma, and nursing teams. We are honored to be the hospital providing care to these patients.

"Patient update as of 9 a.m. April 18, 2025: Two patients are expected to be discharged today. Three have improved and are in good condition. One remains in fair condition."

Want to make a donation of goods or services?

8:45 a.m. April 18:The university is not in need of additional resources at this time, however individuals or organizations who are wanting to make donations of goods and services should contact  studentaffairs@fsu.edu . They will contact you directly. 

Here's how to reclaim personal belongings at FSU campus

10:15 p.m. April 17:The campus community will be able to retrieve personal belongings from select campus buildings between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, April 18. Be prepared to produce a photo ID to claim your belongings. 

All campus buildings will be locked but university faculty, staff, and volunteers will be on site at each of the following locations to assist individuals with claiming their belongings:  

• Bellamy Building 

• EAOS Building 

• Carothers Building 

• Dirac Science Library 

• FSU Student Union 

• Strozier Library 

• HCB Classroom Building 

• Leach Center 

• Longmire Building 

• Love Building 

• Montgomery Hall 

• Moore Auditorium 

• Rovetta Business A&B 

• Thagard Building 

If your belongings were left in another campus building not on this list, or if you are unable to retrieve your belongings on Friday, please call 850-644-4444 between to 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to schedule assistance.  

Counseling services available

9:30 p.m., April 17:The university will open a Support Center at the Askew Student Life Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 18. Counseling and Victim's Advocate services will be available, and staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide assistance.  

FBI establishes tip line for anyone with information, videos of FSU shooting

The FBI has set up a tip line for anyone with information about the shooting that happened at FSU.

Anyone with video or audio media related to the incident, can  upload it here.

This story was updated to add new information.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU shooting suspect: Updates, vigils, victim info