FSU shooting: Famed sports alumni speak out after deadly shooting

The campus shooting at Florida State University on Thursday sent shockwaves across the nation, leaving many in mourning. Former star athletes from FSU, including Brooks Koepka, Jared Verse, and Jordan Travis, expressed their support for the Seminole community after the tragic incident that claimed the lives of at least two individuals and left six others injured.
The shooting, which began around 11:50 a.m., did not involve FSU students, according to authorities. The suspected shooter, identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, was a student at the school and was “neutralized” by authorities before being taken to a hospital. It was revealed that Ikner used his mother’s weapon, who is a sheriff’s deputy with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, in the deadly attack.
In response to the tragedy, FSU has canceled all classes through Friday and called off athletic events in Tallahassee for the weekend. President Richard McCullough condemned the violence as a “tragic and senseless act” and emphasized the need for the community to come together in support and solidarity during this difficult time.
The cancellations also affected the school’s sports teams, with the No. 7-ranked baseball team’s series against Virginia and the No. 4 softball team’s games against Georgia Tech both being called off. Additionally, the last two spring football practices were canceled as the university focuses on healing and reflection in the aftermath of the shooting.
As the FSU community mourns the loss and grapples with the impact of the tragedy, President McCullough emphasized the importance of unity and resilience, stating, “We are Florida State. We are family. And we stand together.”
This article was written by Jackson Thompson for Fox News Digital, with contributions from Rachel Wolf, Preston Mizell, David Spunt, and Andrea Margolis. Thompson, a seasoned sports writer, has covered major events such as the Super Bowl and NBA Finals, and has conducted interviews with prominent figures in the sports world.