Florida: A shooting at Florida State University’s Tallahassee campus left at least two persons dead and five wounded. Phoenix Ikner, a local constable sheriff’s son, used her old service firearm to carry out the shooting. Officials also shot and wounded the shooter.

After the incident, the accused and all five wounded were taken to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. Following reports of an active shooter, Florida State University (FSU) closed down its campus on Thursday and instructed students to take cover.

There have been reports of an active shooter near the Student Union. The university said on X, “Police are on the scene or on their way”.” Keep looking for cover and wait for further instructions. All windows and doors should be locked, and you should be ready to take extra precautions.

Numerous gunshots were heard, according to local news reports, and there were a lot of police officers there. CNN, a US station, said that a suspect had been arrested at around 1:15 p.m. local time.

Walt McNeil, the Leon County Sheriff, spoke to the media about the event. Ikner, 20, was a university student and the son of one of his “exceptional” staff members, who had been there for eighteen years.

Sadly, one of her weapons—which was among the ones discovered at the scene—was in the hands of her son.

As the situation developed, FSU declared that all courses and university activities, including Thursday’s sporting events, had been cancelled.

An update said, “Those who are not currently on the main campus should refrain from visiting the Tallahassee main campus.” At least four individuals were hurt, according to NBC News, another US station.

Tallahassee Memorial Hospital announced in a statement that it was “actively receiving and caring for patients” in connection with the event. The statement said, “At this time, details are still being worked out, and we do not have specific information to share.”

Nonetheless, we would want to reassure the community that our staff are ready and fully mobilized to provide the best possible care and assistance to everyone impacted. We continue to work closely with public safety authorities and emergency personnel. We will give updates as soon as they become available to protect patient privacy and guarantee accurate information. We kindly request your understanding and patience at this trying period.

“We have six patients, one in critical condition and the rest in serious condition,” a hospital representative told AFP in the meanwhile.

“I’m trembling. There is just a lot going on. When I was informed of the hazardous situation on campus, I was close to the student union. CNN said that 21-year-old Emily Palmer of FSU said, “I’m worried about my friends.”

“Right now, I have friends in class who are being evacuated by police while raising their hands,” she said.

Senators Ashley Moody and Rick Scott of Florida said that they were keeping a careful eye on the issue. Scott wrote, “Praying for the safety of everyone at FSU and a swift recovery for those injured.” He also said that his staff has spoken with local law enforcement.

“I am praying for the safety of the students, faculty, and all first responders involved,” Moody said in her own X post.