FSU shooting leaves at least 2 dead, many injured: What to know

The Sunshine State was rocked on Thursday when a gunman opened fire at Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee, leaving at least two dead and several others injured, according to police.

Authorities said the deceased individuals were not students but did not release information about the others who were being treated at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare.

“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,” the hospital shared with The Hill on Friday.

A spokesperson noted that two patients are expected to be discharged later today while three victims with injuries have improved and are in good condition. One other remains in fair condition.

Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old political science student, was identified as the alleged gunman by law enforcement officers. Ikner also obtained injuries from shots fired on the campus. 

At the time he was arrested, the suspect was found in possession of both a shotgun and a handgun. 

Police said the smaller firearm belonged to Ikner’s mother Jessica, who serves as a local sheriff's deputy. The pistol recovered at the crime scene was her former service weapon that she purchased for personal use. 

Leon County Sheriff Walter McNeil said, “her service to this community has been exceptional.”

McNeil condemned the violent event during a local presser.

“This event is tragic in more ways than you people in the audience could ever fathom from a law enforcement perspective,” the sheriff told the media.

“But I will tell you this, we will make sure that we do everything we can to prosecute and make sure that we send a message to folks that this will never be tolerated here in Leon County, and I dare say, across this state and across this nation,” he added. 

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, FBI officials from the Jacksonville office and a local fire department responded to the emergency which took place at around 11:50 a.m. in the school’s student union. 

Officials on campus immediately issued an alert warning people on site to clear the area.

“An active shooter has been reported in the area of Student Union. Police are on scene or on the way. Continue to seek shelter and await further instructions," FSU wrote in its first warning message. "Lock and stay away from all doors and windows and be prepared to take additional protective measures."

Viral videos showed those in the surrounding area fleeing with their hands up. 

The school has cancelled university wide events due to the shooting. 

“We are heartbroken. We are grieving with the families, friends, and loved ones of those who were lost. We are holding close those who are injured, and we are standing by everyone who is hurting,” FSU President Richard McCullough wrote in an open letter on social media.

GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida lawmakers and President Trump have all issued statements of support for the community in the wake of the incident.