The two people injured in the shooting were expected to be discharged from the hospital on April 18th.
The Florida State University campus was a fatal crime scene just before noon on April 17th, when a student started a fire, killing two people and injuring six people before being shot and arrested by law enforcement officials.
Students were invited to a “Rally of Unity” in front of the university’s landmarkless, unconquered statue at 5pm on April 18th, lamenting the victims and assisting those affected by the incident.
Meanwhile, several victims are still hospitalized as local, state and federal law enforcement continues to investigate.
This is what we know about the incidents so far:
Who is the suspicious shooter?
The suspected shooter is 20-year-old Phoenix Echner, who is currently the deputy director of Leon County, according to Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeill.
The handgun he allegedly used was one of her previous service weapons. He is also said to have been found with a shotgun.
Police have not revealed any possible motives.
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“Unfortunately, her son had access to one of her weapons, which was one of the weapons found at the scene,” McNeill said at a press conference on April 17.
“We are continuing to investigate how the weapon was used and what other weapons are.
Ichner was a longtime member of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office Youth Advisory Board.
“So he was soaking up in the family at the Leon County Sheriff’s office and was involved in many of the training programs we have, so it’s no surprise that he has access to weapons,” McNeill said.
“This event is tragic in more ways than the audience can (surmise) from a law enforcement perspective.”
He was also believed to be a student at Florida State University.
Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence E. Rebel said Ichner was shot dead after failing to comply with law enforcement orders.
Ichner is not believed to have shot an officer.
How long did the filming last?
The Tallahassee Police Department said on April 18 that the incident lasted five minutes.
Ichner fired his first shot from 11:56am to 11:57am. Police reported that it was originally held at 11:50am
Emergency calls began to occur at 11:58am, and police responded immediately.
Ekner reportedly came and went from the building and fired a handgun across the green space. He was shot dead and taken into custody at noon.
“What we saw on April 17 was an extraordinary example of teamwork and professionalism in the face of a horrifying event,” Rebel said in a press release on April 18.
“From the moment we got the phone, our local agents came together seamlessly, sharing information and developing our top priorities in public safety.
“This type of response is no coincidence. It is the result of our shared commitment to protecting our training, partnerships and communities.”
The university’s campus was closed for about three hours, and the first emergency warning was issued after the suspect was arrested.
Law enforcement officials began cleaning up rooms across the main campus before 2:45pm, and FSualert announced at 3:17pm that officials had “neutralized the threat.”
They were able to leave their hideout, but students were told to avoid the student union and other parts of the campus as they remained an active crime scene.
What about the victims?
The active shooter incident led to the deaths of two people. Police confirmed that they were not students. As of publication time, authorities have not revealed their identity.
Six other victims reportedly were injured, and at least five were taken to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, with a shooting suspect.
The hospital confirmed that six patients had been received. Five were reported to be in serious condition and one was in serious condition.
On April 18, the two were expected to be discharged that day, and the other three have improved and are in good condition. One remains fair.
The hospital did not provide details of the shooting suspect’s injuries or circumstances.
What happens next?
While the victims are recovering, the community is grieving and law enforcement investigations continue.
Tallahassee Police are asking anyone with additional information to call 850-891-4200 or 850-574-TIPS for those who wish to be anonymous.
Classes and business operations on the main campus have been cancelled until April 18th, and the athletic event has been cancelled until April 20th.
