The Florida State University (FSU) community is reeling after a tragic campus shooting on April 17, 2025, that left two dead and six others injured. Among the wounded was 23-year-old graduate student Madison Askins, whose chilling survival story has captured national attention.
In a harrowing interview, Askins described the terrifying moments she faced inside the Student Union building—and how pretending to be dead may have saved her life.
The shooting, which occurred around 12:30 p.m., sent students scrambling for cover as the suspect, later identified as 20-year-old FSU student Phoenix Ikner, opened fire.
Armed with a handgun reportedly belonging to his stepmother—a former Leon County sheriff’s deputy—Ikner unleashed a burst of violence that claimed the lives of two students before he was confronted and shot by police.
“I Just Closed My Eyes and Let My Body Go Limp”
Askins was inside the Student Union when chaos erupted. After being shot, she instinctively recalled advice given by her parents: play dead if ever caught in a mass shooting.
“I just let my body go limp and closed my eyes. I didn’t move, I didn’t breathe. I hoped he would think I was already dead,” she said in an emotional interview with ABC News.
Lying on the floor surrounded by blood and silence, Askins could hear the gunman muttering to himself as he walked nearby. At one point, she said, he paused to reload and chillingly said, “Yeah, keep running.”
Her ability to stay motionless likely saved her life. She was later rushed to the hospital where she is now recovering.
For the full video interview with Madison Askins, visit ABC News on YouTube.
Suspect Identified as FSU Student Phoenix Ikner
Authorities quickly responded to the scene and located the shooter. Police stated that when officers ordered Ikner to drop his weapon, he refused. They shot and wounded him to prevent further casualties. He was transported to a nearby hospital and remains in custody.
Ikner is the stepson of a Leon County deputy and allegedly used her former service weapon to carry out the attack. Investigators are now looking into how he obtained the firearm and what his motive may have been.
Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil confirmed the relationship and emphasized the importance of determining how such a tragedy unfolded in the heart of a university campus.
FSU Community Mourns as Details Emerge
The victims of the shooting were identified as undergraduate students with bright futures, leaving the campus community devastated. Vigils have been held in their memory, and the university is providing grief counseling and support for those affected.
University President Richard McCullough issued a statement expressing sorrow and solidarity.
“We are heartbroken by this senseless act of violence. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all members of our FSU family during this time of immense grief.”
The university temporarily suspended classes and increased security across campus to reassure students and faculty of their safety.
National Debate Rekindled Over Campus Safety and Gun Access
The FSU shooting has reignited the national debate on gun control, particularly regarding firearm access by students and individuals with ties to law enforcement. Critics are questioning how a service weapon was left accessible and what preventative measures could have been taken to avoid the tragedy.
Lawmakers and campus safety advocates are calling for stronger gun storage laws and mental health screenings for students in crisis. FSU’s incident adds to a growing list of shootings on college campuses across the United States, prompting urgent calls for reform.
Askins Speaks Out for Survivors of Gun Violence
Now recovering from her injuries, Madison Askins is choosing to speak out—not just to share her story, but to advocate for those affected by gun violence.
“I survived, but so many others didn’t. I want people to understand how real this is. It’s not just numbers. These are lives, dreams, futures.”
Her courage and calm under extreme pressure have drawn support from across the country, with many calling her a symbol of resilience and bravery. Mental health counselors are also praising her instincts to remain still, noting that such behavior can often prevent further injury during active shooter events.
Conclusion: A Call for Healing and Change
The Florida State University shooting has left scars on a tight-knit academic community and sparked questions that extend far beyond the Tallahassee campus. As survivors like Madison Askins begin their path to recovery, their voices are adding powerful weight to a national conversation about violence, preparedness, and the value of human life.
With investigators continuing their work and FSU beginning the long process of healing, one message is clear: the bravery shown by Askins and others that day will not be forgotten.
To read more details about the victims and the investigation, visit CBS News Miami.
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