Florida State University Shooting: Officials Provide Update on Campus Incident

Shooting Incident at FSU

• 🎯 At approximately 11:50 a.m. on Thursday, April 17th, a gunman opened fire on the main campus of Florida State University in Tallahassee.
• ⚡ FSU Police responded immediately, engaging and neutralizing the shooter.
• 💔 Two victims are deceased, and five individuals were transported to local hospitals with gunshot wounds.
• 🚨 The shooter, identified as 20-year-old FSU student Phoenix Eckner, was also transported to a local hospital.

Campus Operations and Support

• 🏫 All Florida State University classes and business operations on the main campus were cancelled through Friday, April 18th.
• 🚫 FSU athletic events were cancelled through Sunday.
• 🤝 Students needing assistance were directed to the Donald Tucker Center for counseling, health care, and support services.
• 🏠 Students were advised to stay indoors on main campus to allow first responders to work, though they could depart campus for the weekend.

Investigation and Law Enforcement Response

• 🚓 The Tallahassee Police Department is leading the investigation into both the officer-involved shooting and homicide aspects.
• 🔎 Multiple crime scenes are being processed, covering a large area with numerous witnesses.
• 💻 The FBI has established a digital tips line for uploading photos and videos related to the incident at www.fbi.gov/fsu shooting.
• 🤝 A seamless response was noted due to established relationships between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

Shooter and Weapon Details

• 👨‍👩‍👧 The shooter, Phoenix Eckner, is the son of a Leon County Sheriff's deputy.
• 🔫 A weapon found at the scene was identified as the deputy's former personal handgun, which she was allowed to keep after transitioning to a new one.
• ❓ The investigation will continue into how the weapon was used and if other weapons were accessible.
• 🚫 The shooter has invoked his right to remain silent and has not spoken to investigators.

Official Statements and Support

• 😔 Florida State University President Richard McCulla expressed heartbreak and emphasized support for victims, families, and the campus community.
• 👏 Law enforcement officers, including FSU PD, Tallahassee PD, Leon County Sheriff's Office, and Florida Highway Patrol, were commended for their rapid and courageous response.
• 🏥 Healthcare providers at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital were thanked for their care of the victims.
• 💬 Officials stated there is no reason to believe the shooter acted alone and that there is no further threat to the community at this time.