‘Feels too soon’: Florida State students return to campus for 1st time since deadly shooting

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV/Gray News) - Florida State University students returned Monday under a cloud of grief, just four days after a deadly on-campus shooting that left two dead and injured six others.

Student Phoenix Ikner is accused of opening fire on the university’s campus Thursday, according to authorities. The 20-year-old was also identified as the stepson of Leon County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jessica Ikner.

Since then, Jessica Ikner requested personal leave from her duties as a resource officer at Augusta Raa Middle School for an “indefinite” period, a sheriff’s office spokesperson confirmed Friday.

Several students said the campus felt somber, quiet and far less crowded Monday morning.

While classes and operations officially resumed, many students said they were not emotionally or mentally ready to return.

“I personally don’t feel safe on campus and won’t for the rest of the semester,” FSU freshman Madalyn Prost said.

The first-year Seminole added that returning to routine in the classroom so quickly doesn’t feel right.

“I can’t really get myself to do anything at the moment. It feels disrespectful to the victims and to a community that’s still grieving to go back this soon,” she said.

The university’s decision to reopen was announced Saturday by FSU President Richard McCullough. In a recorded message, McCullough acknowledged the difficult timing.

“I know this will not feel like a typical week. It’s the last one before finals and many of you are still processing what happened,” the university president said. “We understand that.”

Following student criticism, McCullough released a follow-up statement offering more flexibility for students.

“We want everyone to receive the support and help they need. For some students, that may mean not going back into the classroom,” the statement read.

Since then, the university has waived mandatory attendance policies and said remote options may be available depending on the course. Students are encouraged to contact their professors to coordinate how they can complete coursework if they choose not to attend in-person classes.

Meanwhile, a petition urging FSU to cancel final exams scheduled for next week has gained momentum, nearing 12,000 signatures as of Monday afternoon.

FSU officials have not publicly announced any changes to the final exam schedule.