TALLAHASSEE, FL — April 17, 2025
A horrific and tragic shooting at Florida State University (FSU) today has left two dead and six others injured, including the gunman. The incident, now confirmed as an active shooter event, took place just before noon on the FSU campus, sending shockwaves across the university community and the nation. Reports of a Florida State active shooter began pouring into the Leon County Sheriff’s Office and FSU campus police shortly before 9:30 AM. Within minutes, FSU alerts were sent out warning students and staff of an active shooter at Florida State.
What Happened In Florida Today?
According to initial FSU shooting updates, shots were fired inside the Student Union, a central hub for students on the Florida State University campus. Panic spread quickly as students and faculty sought shelter amid the chaos of an FSU active shooting.
Videos obtained by WCTV and NBC affiliates show students fleeing the building, with law enforcement arriving moments later. The suspect, later named Phoenix Eichner, a 22-year-old reportedly enrolled at FSU, was taken into custody after a standoff that lasted approximately 30 minutes.
Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots, and within moments, FSU alerts were sent out to students and faculty warning of an active shooter on the FSU campus. The campus was immediately placed on lockdown. Tallahassee police, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and federal agents responded within minutes.
Where Is Florida State University Located?
Credit: usatoday.com
FSU, or Florida State University, is in Tallahassee, Florida, the state capital. The campus is home to over 40,000 students and is considered one of the state’s top academic institutions. Today’s shooting at Florida State University has deeply impacted both the school and the surrounding Leon County community.
Who Is The FSU Shooter?
The FSU shooting suspect, Phoenix Eichner, is the son of a Leon County sheriff’s deputy, Deputy Eichner. He was described as a quiet political science major at Florida State. Authorities confirmed that Eichner was a member of the Sheriff’s Youth Advisory Council and had access to firearms through family ties.
Investigators believe Eichner used his mother’s former service weapon to carry out the shooting. He was also in possession of a shotgun, although it has not been confirmed whether that weapon was fired. Eichner was critically injured during a shootout with police and remains hospitalized.
Casualties And Victims
As of this evening’s FSU news press conference, the Florida State University shooting today resulted in:
- 2 fatalities (neither of whom were FSU student),
- 6 injuries, including the shooter,
- 1 person in critical condition, and
- 5 others in serious condition.
The FSU shooting victims’ names have not yet been released pending notification of families.
Response From Authorities
Sheriff’s deputies from Leon County, Tallahassee Police, and the FBI are jointly investigating the incident. The university’s emergency response plan was activated immediately after the first shots were fired. FSU campus security locked down academic buildings, dorms, and administrative offices.
During a joint statement, Leon County Sheriff’s Office and FSU Police praised the rapid response of first responders, crediting them with preventing even more casualties during the chaos of the mass shooting.
University Reaction And Community Impact
Florida State University has canceled all classes through Friday, and counseling services have been made available to students, staff, and faculty. The FSU president called it one of the darkest days in the school’s history.
Students described the scene as “terrifying,” with some sheltering in classrooms and closets for hours. Videos shared on social media under hashtags like #FSUShooting and #FSUActiveShooter show students running and barricading doors.
Political And Public Reaction
Credit: usatoday.com
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis released a statement extending his condolences to the victims and their families while thanking first responders for their swift action. He vowed full state support for the ongoing investigation.
Former President Donald Trump, in a controversial remark, stated:
The gun doesn’t do the shooting. The people do,
sparking heated online debate about gun control and mental health issues. .
Shooting Suspect Background
Credit: people.com
Phoenix Eichner had no prior criminal history, but some classmates noted troubling behavior and social media posts in recent months. His association with law enforcement through his mother, a Leon County deputy, is under scrutiny. Authorities are working to determine if he had mental health issues or grievances that led to this violent outburst.
Reports suggest Eichner was facing academic probation, though this has not been officially confirmed.
Connection To Past Incidents
This incident eerily echoes the 2014 FSU shooting carried out by Myron May, another former student who opened fire at the university library, injuring three. Today’s shooting has revived painful memories for long-time members of the FSU Tallahassee community and has reignited the national conversation about school shootings and campus safety
Current Status And Ongoing Investigation
Law enforcement is urging anyone with information or video footage of the FSU shooting to contact the Leon County Sheriff’s Office or call the FSU alert hotline. Federal authorities are also reviewing whether Eichner had any accomplices or broader plans beyond this single attack. Meanwhile, classes at Florida State University have been suspended for the remainder of the week, and all campus events have been canceled as the university prioritizes safety and healing.
As of this update:
- Phoenix Eichner, the FSU shooter 2025, remains hospitalized and under police guard.
- A full search of the shooter’s residence and online history is underway.
- Investigators are analyzing Eichner’s phone, computer, and social media for motives or potential warning signs.
- Active shooter protocols are being reviewed at Florida universities, including USF, the University of Florida, and FAU.
FSU in Mourning, A Nation Watching
The shooting at Florida State University today has sent shockwaves not just through Tallahassee and Florida but across the country. It’s a sobering reminder of the dangers that persist on even the most vibrant of college campuses.
As more details emerge — including the full identity of the FSU shooting victims, motivations of Phoenix Eichner, and the scope of the tragedy — one thing is clear: Florida State will never be the same. Florida State University officials are expected to implement tighter campus security measures in the coming weeks, including more visible law enforcement presence, lockdown drills, and mental health outreach.
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