FSU Shooting.
I hate making these articles about shootings, yet awareness needs to be brought. All the prayers go up to Florida State University, the students, faculty, and the families. Also, do not go around talking about politics about this, mourn the losses, do not worry about what party the shooter supported, or anything else.
Background
On April 17, 2025, a mass shooting occurred at Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee, Florida, resulting in two fatalities and six injuries. The incident took place near the Student Union around midday. The suspect, 20-year-old FSU student Phoenix Ikner, was apprehended and is currently hospitalized.
Ikner, the son of a Leon County sheriff's deputy, accessed firearms from his mother's collection, including a former service weapon. He was involved in law enforcement youth programs and had ties to the sheriff's office. Three weapons were recovered: a handgun on Ikner, a shotgun inside the student union, and another firearm in his vehicle.
The two deceased victims were not FSU students. Among the injured, five are being treated at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, with one in critical condition. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear. In response, FSU canceled all classes through Friday and suspended home athletic events for the weekend. Nearby Florida A&M University also canceled classes for the day. The FBI and local law enforcement are conducting an ongoing investigation.
This tragedy has prompted renewed discussions on campus safety and firearm access, especially given the suspect's background and connections to law enforcement. University officials and community leaders have expressed shock and grief over the incident.
Safety
We have seen this safety issue so often. School shootings left and right, safety conditions are not being met. Police Officers responded immediately, even though the news source MSN said it took them 40 minutes. Now I can see why that would happen, first responders are so understaffed that it is practically impossible to keep them afloat. There is always the occasional “Defund First Responders,” but that would kill the world, and that’s another topic of discussion.
I think in reality, though, we take safety in the world very lightly. We always “feel safe,” yet are we safe? Are we actually safe around the city or the university we go to? It is so easy to walk onto the Florida State University campus to where it is alarming. Yes, the shooter was a student, but does that really make the safety exempt?
In 2024, there were at least 330 incidents involving gunfire on K–12 school property, marking a 7% increase in casualties compared to 2023, with 267 individuals killed or wounded. As of September 30, 2024, gun-related incidents on school grounds had already surpassed the total number from 2023, with at least 160 occurrences resulting in 46 deaths and 106 injuries. Only 27% of public schools reported feeling "very prepared" to handle active shooter situations.
From these statistics, I think this just shows that safety around schools isn’t on par. Countless teachers quit their jobs due to feeling unsafe. A 2024 survey indicated that 44% of educators have considered leaving or have already left their jobs due to feeling unsafe at work. Yes, this doesn't all tie into gun violence; some of it goes into sexual assault and much more.
Gun Violence
Gun Violence has to be a topic in this. I can’t see how you can’t talk about it in this scenario. Countless people are dying, left and right. As someone who honestly stays in the middle, it needs to be fixed.
In 2024, there were at least 330 incidents involving gunfire on K–12 school grounds. These incidents resulted in 267 individuals killed or wounded, marking a 7% increase from 2023. Countless children, teachers, and many more are just dying at the hands of guns. The number of school shootings in each of the last four years has been more than 107% higher than any year before in the last 25 years. Rates just keep firing up in the nation and yet we sit here and say “the amount of guns being sold is okay.” It isn’t. People should not be dying to guns, especially in an academic setting, this often.
In 2024, there were 190 incidents of gun violence on college campuses. Less than K-12 schools, yet it still isn’t okay. These incidents led to 167 deaths and 270 injuries. Yet again, countless deaths to gun violence, and we sit here and say it is okay. A 2024 survey revealed that 62% of high school seniors expressed concerns about personal safety when considering colleges, indicating that safety perceptions significantly influence enrollment decisions. As a high school senior, I have wondered if I will be safe where I go; it hasn’t influenced my decision, but as a student, it’s been a thought.
Also, President Trump did comment on the shooting today, stating that it is a real shame, yet it isn’t the guns doing the killings, it is the people. Which in general, is correct; he isn’t wrong, most of these culprits have diaries and multiple things about shootings. Yet he still is wrong; the amount of guns in the country is unhealthy. The shooter got his gun from his mom as she was a deputy, and then had one in the Student Union, and in his car. He should not have been able to gain access to guns that easily.
Conclusion
This shooting could have been easily avoided. If we were to focus on safety on campuses, K-12 or universities, it doesn’t matter. If we were able to bring down the amount of guns in the country, if we were able to do so many things, these wouldn't happen. Yes, shootings will always happen; there are bad people in the country who only want to commit violence. Yet the rate will go down. The fact that we, as students or parents, have to pray that our child will stay safe in this country while at public school or private school is already a red flag. We need to bring awareness to this; this shouldn’t be happening as often as it does, and the fact that it is occurring pretty much every month is sickening. It is sickening that we have to do these moments of silence every month and pray for these families who struggle, yet if the government took action, these wouldn't happen as often. You can’t blame either president on this either, they both didn’t do anything in their term, and President Trump has yet to do anything. All we can do is trust in God and the righteous father to help us through these moments of terror. Politics should not be brought in this, it shouldn’t point blank. We need to unify as a country and keep moving. I pray you stay safe and continue to pursue awareness of school shootings. God Bless. #foreverunconquered
Romans 12:19
“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge, I will repay,’ says the Lord.”