FSU Students Caught on Video Hiding During Campus Shooting: Raw Fear and Heroic Calm
Sarah Johnson
April 18, 2025
Brief
A terrifying FSU campus shooting left two dead and six injured. Students sheltered in fear as police responded. The community mourns and seeks answers after the tragedy.
A chilling video from inside Florida State University shows the terrifying moments students huddled under desks as a mass shooting unfolded on campus Thursday. One woman’s voice, trembling with emotion, can be heard whispering, "I’m scared," as she and others sought shelter in the William Johnston Building.
An urgent campus alert blared across loudspeakers: "Attention! Attention! This is an FSU alert. A dangerous or life-threatening situation exists on campus. Take shelter now in a secure location. FSU police are responding. Remain alert." The fear in the room was palpable, punctuated by sobs as students crawled to join each other under tables—the kind of scene you hope only exists in horror movies, not real life.
The video, taken by English graduate student Sophia Ziemer, captured not just the chaos but also the solidarity among students. Ziemer told TMX News, "We ran into people from Art Education who let us into their conference meeting room. That’s where we were able to take shelter." Sometimes, it’s the kindness of strangers that keeps us going when things get dark.
Authorities identified Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old believed to be an FSU student, as the suspect. The shooting left two dead and six others wounded. As of now, the motive behind the attack is still a mystery, leaving an entire community searching for answers and a sense of safety that’s been shaken to its core.
On Friday, the university began allowing students to return to campus buildings to retrieve their belongings. A vigil for the victims is scheduled for 5 p.m. at Langford Green, in front of the Unconquered Statue—a symbolic spot for a school now grappling with heartbreak.
FSU President Richard McCullough called it a "tragic and senseless act of violence at the heart of our campus." He shared on social media, "We are heartbroken. We are grieving with the families, friends, and loved ones of those who were lost. We are holding close those who are injured, and we are standing by everyone who is hurting."
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Editor's Comments
It’s gut-wrenching that students have to rely on conference room doors and the generosity of strangers to stay safe at school. If only campus architecture came with a panic room button these days. But seriously, moments like these shine a light on both the darkness and the resilience that somehow coexist on American campuses.
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