2 killed, several injured in shooting at Florida State University, suspect identified as…

Florida: After a 56-year-old Indian-origin man and his 24-year-old daughter were shot dead at a convenience store in Virginia last month, two more people were killed and five others injured in another shooting incident in the United States on Thursday (local time). This time, the shooting took place at Florida State University in Tallahassee, CNN reported. According to initial reports, the shooting occurred near FSU’s student union when a 20-year-old man suddenly opened fire on students.

Cops shot the accused man as he “did not comply with commands” and was rushed to the hospital, Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell informed during a press conference.

“The suspect was identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, the son of a Leon County Sheriff Deputy,” Leon County Sheriff Walter A. McNeil said at a conference.

The suspected gunman had access to his mother’s weapon. Authorities recovered a handgun from the person. A shotgun was also found in the university’s Student Union, and another firearm was recovered in the suspect’s vehicle.

“Unfortunately, her son (Deputy Sheriff’s son) had access to one of her weapons and that was one of the weapons that was found at the scene,” McNeil said. “We are continuing that investigation into how that weapon was used and what other weapons perhaps he may have had access to.”

Florida State University President Richard McCullough called it a “tragic day,” CNN reported.

“We’re absolutely heartbroken by the violence that occurred on our campus earlier today,” he said at a news conference.

In the aftermath of the incident, the university has announced the cancellation of all classes, events and business operations through Friday. Essential employees were told to check with their supervisors. All athletic events scheduled in Tallahassee over the weekend have also been cancelled.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said that he has been briefed about the shooting.

“I’ve been briefed on the Florida State University, Tallahassee, active shooting. I guess it’s an active shooter, fully briefed as to where we are right now. It’s a shame. Horrible thing, horrible that things like this take place, and we’ll have more to say about it later,” Trump said while speaking to reporters in the Oval Office.

The White House is closely monitoring the shooting at Florida State University, according to a statement from press secretary Karoline Leavitt.  The President has received updates on the incident.

(Note: This is a developing story and further details will be added.)

(with ANI inputs)

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