A crowd gathered on Friday night at Langford Green on the campus of Florida State University (FSU) to honor the victims of the shooting that occurred last Thursday.
The vigil, characterized by silence and solemnity, brought together students, professors, and community members, who lit candles, offered flowers, and shared messages of solidarity, reported the network Telemundo.
Called "Vigil for Unity Gathering provided a space for the FSU family to come together to offer support and mutual comfort following the tragedy", FSU wrote on its social media.
The attack, carried out by Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old student and son of a local sheriff's deputy, left two people dead and six injured.
Ikner used his mother's previous service weapon to carry out the shooting. Authorities are still investigating the motives behind the attack, which lasted less than five minutes but left a profound impact on the university community.
During the vigil, students like Nicole Pinilla expressed their fear and sadness. "I almost didn't want to come today because being in a place with all these people after what happened yesterday... it scares me".
Others, like Sabrina Rodríguez, shared their sorrow upon discovering that they knew one of the victims. "I became even sadder because this person was not only part of the FSU community but also of the Cuban-American community."
The president of FSU, Richard McCullough, expressed his sorrow in a message addressed to the attendees, where he stated:
"We are deeply saddened by the tragedy of April 17. We are mourning alongside the families and friends who have lost a loved one. And we stand with all the injured who are recovering. This has shocked us all, and I want you to know: we are here to support you."
Furthermore, it was announced that classes and operations will resume on Monday, April 21, although it was acknowledged that it will not be a normal week. "It is the last week before final exams, and many of you are still processing what has happened. Please take care of yourselves," they added.
It also offered emotional support resources for students, faculty, and staff, emphasizing that "no one should go through this alone." Available services include psychological counseling, emergency hotlines, and confidential assistance 24/7.
The incident occurred around noon last Thursday at the Student Union on campus. Authorities confirmed that the fatalities were not university students.
The attacker was apprehended by the police and taken to a local hospital for medical attention after being injured when authorities tried to neutralize him.
After the incident, the university activated its emergency protocol, urging students and staff to take shelter while law enforcement secured the campus.
The hospital Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare received six patients, one of whom is in critical condition. Additionally, three firearms related to the incident were found. One was in the suspect's possession, another in a nearby vehicle, and a shotgun in the student center.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Shooting at Florida State University
How many people were affected in the shooting at Florida State University?
The shooting resulted in two people dead and six injured. Authorities are continuing to investigate the motive behind the attack carried out by Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old student. The incident has shocked the university community and sparked a series of support and solidarity events among students and university staff.
Who was responsible for the shooting at FSU and what is known about him?
Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old student and son of a local sheriff's deputy, has been identified as the perpetrator of the shooting. He used a weapon that had belonged to his mother to carry out the attack. Although he has been arrested and is hospitalized, authorities have not yet determined the motives behind his actions.
How has Florida State University responded to the shooting?
After the shooting, the university activated its emergency protocols, suspended classes and activities, and organized a vigil in honor of the victims. The president of FSU, Richard McCullough, expressed his sorrow over the tragedy and announced available emotional support resources for students, faculty, and staff. The university community has shown its solidarity through events and messages of support.
What security measures have been implemented at FSU following the shooting?
After the incident, the university has strengthened its security measures on campus and has kept certain areas restricted while authorities investigate. The FSU emergency alert system has been activated to keep the community informed and citizen collaboration has been requested to provide relevant information to the authorities.
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