This story was updated after it was originally published.
Police were investigating a shooting Thursday (April 17) on the Florida State University campus. According to authorities, at least two people were killed and five others have been seriously injured.
Authorities confirmed during a press conference that a suspect, later identified as FSU student Phoenix Ikner, 20, has been arrested, and that the two people who died were not students. Ikner is the son of a local sheriff’s deputy, according to media reports. Five people were being treated at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, and the shooter was also among those receiving medical attention, according to police.
Around midday, with alarms on campus signaling an active shooter, numerous first responders converged on the scene. Some students sheltered in place, while others raced across the sprawling campus to escape harm.
‘Senseless act of violence’
As the full story continues to develop, Florida Baptists are praying for all who have been impacted by this act of violence.
“At the Florida Baptist Convention, we are heartbroken over this senseless act of violence. Please join us in prayer for all of those impacted,” said Stephen Rummage, executive director-treasurer of the Florida Baptist Convention.
“In the coming days, we will be working alongside Baptist Campus Ministries as well as churches near the Florida State University campus. The Florida Baptist Convention will stand together with Baptist Campus Ministries and these churches as beacons of light in the darkness of this violence, offering prayerful and personal support to the families affected by this horrific experience.”
Barry Sproles, Baptist Campus Ministries director for Florida State University, has been reported as safe.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Margaret Colson and originally published by the Florida Baptist Convention. The Baptist Paper contributed to this story.
