Two people were killed and six others injured when a gunman opened fire on the Florida State University campus in Tallahassee on April 17, officials confirmed in a press briefing.

The victims, along with the suspected shooter, were transported to a local hospital following the incident, Caliber.Az reports via US media.

The shooter has been identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, a student at FSU and the stepson of a Leon County sheriff’s deputy, according to Leon County Sheriff Walter McNeil. Ikner was shot and taken into custody by law enforcement. Authorities said he invoked his right to remain silent and declined to speak with investigators.

According to officials, Ikner used a handgun that once belonged to his stepmother during her time in service and is now privately owned. A shotgun was also found in his possession at the scene.

Ikner’s stepmother, the sheriff’s deputy, had served with the agency for over 18 years. Sheriff McNeil emphasised her long-standing dedication to the community, calling her service "exceptional," but acknowledged the tragic circumstances. "Unfortunately, her son had access to one of her weapons," he said.

Sheriff McNeil also revealed that Ikner had long been involved with the sheriff’s office through its citizen advisory and youth advisory programs, describing him as someone who had “been steeped in the Leon County Sheriff’s Office family.”

Investigators have also uncovered that Ikner’s biological parents had been engaged in a prolonged custody battle from 2007 until 2023.

Police said the two individuals killed in the shooting were not students. Their names have not yet been released.

Tallahassee police reported that the campus was secured by around 3:15 p.m. ET. Multiple law enforcement agencies remained on-site for the ongoing investigation. FSU posted on X that "law enforcement has neutralised the threat," but noted that the student union and several nearby buildings remained active crime scenes and should be avoided.

Police received the first emergency call at approximately 12:01 p.m. from the area around the student union. Authorities later confirmed the shooting began at about 11:50 a.m. The university immediately issued a campus-wide alert urging people to shelter in place and stay clear of windows and doors.

A spokesperson for Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare confirmed to reporters that all injured individuals were receiving treatment and, as of 4:30 p.m., were in fair condition.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that President Donald Trump had been briefed on the situation. Speaking briefly to reporters on Thursday afternoon, Trump said, “It’s a shame. It’s a horrible thing. Horrible thing. Things like this take place. And we’ll have more to say about it later.”

When asked whether he would re-evaluate gun legislation in light of the shooting, Trump responded, “Well, I’m going to have to look. I’m a big advocate of the Second Amendment… These things are terrible. But the gun doesn’t do the shooting, the people do.”

Florida State University announced that all classes and events would be cancelled through April 18. All sports activities have also been suspended through April 20.