TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — In response to last week’s tragic shooting at Florida State University (FSU), students who survived the incident have made a fervent appeal to state legislators to uphold the current law that restricts gun purchases for those under 21. This legislation was enacted following the 2018 Parkland school shooting.
In the wake of the violence that struck the university located in Florida’s capital, Tallahassee, students have mobilized and traveled to the state Capitol to demand stronger protections against gun violence from lawmakers. “When I transferred to Florida State University just last fall, I never thought I’d find myself locked inside a classroom, texting loved ones, unsure if I’d ever see them again,” expressed Andres Perez, a 20-year-old junior and leader of the Students Demand Action chapter at FSU.
Perez emphasized, “We owe it to the victims, not just here at Florida State University, but across Florida and across our nation, to make sure that this doesn’t happen again.” The incident on Thursday resulted in the deaths of two non-students and injuries to six others on the FSU campus, located merely a mile from the legislative activity at the Capitol. Investigations reveal that 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, a student suspect, used his stepmother’s former service firearm to commit the shooting. He was subsequently shot and injured by police, though he is expected to recover.
Tallahassee Police Department Lieutenant Damon Miller Jr. stated Tuesday that Ikner is still hospitalized and formal charges would await his release, with no specific timeline available. As of Tuesday afternoon, five of the shooting victims have been discharged from Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, while one remains hospitalized in good condition, as confirmed by hospital spokesperson Sarah Cannon, who declined to disclose patient identities as per privacy laws.
The Tuesday gathering at the Capitol saw FSU students alongside Democratic state representatives sharing the harrowing experience of sending what they thought might be their final messages to family members during the chaotic, fear-filled moments they endured in darkened classrooms. “We built barricades that day with nothing but chairs,” recounted 22-year-old Natanel Mizrahi, a senior student, noting the absence of door locks and relying instead on makeshift barricades and vigilant students at the door.
The student body is urging legislators to oppose any proposal that would permit those under 21 to purchase firearms, to ensure college classroom doors are lockable, and to secure funding for mental health resources and active shooter training on campuses. FSU spokesperson Amy Farnum-Patronis mentioned that while active shooter training is available for all students and employees, it is not yet mandatory for staff.
Farnum-Patronis stated, “Ensuring the safety and well-being of our campus community remains our foremost priority. Florida State University is continually reviewing and assessing our security protocols, including evaluating door locks, to ensure the safety of everyone on campus.”
For some FSU students, the incident resurrected traumatic memories of past school shootings, particularly for those who experienced the Parkland shooting where 17 were killed and another 17 injured. Their appeal echoes the past lobbying efforts of Parkland survivors who, alongside grieving families, successfully advocated for tougher gun control measures in Florida’s legislature.
This legislative session sees discussions surrounding gun rights expansion and the possibility of reversing certain restrictions like the gun-buying age limit. While Governor Ron DeSantis and several Republican lawmakers support lowering the gun-purchasing age, equating military service age with gun ownership eligibility, the sentiment is not unanimous. House Speaker Daniel Perez supports the bill, but Senate President Ben Albritton has displayed caution, especially following the recent FSU incident.
Albritton, an NRA lifetime member, has yet to finalize his stance on the measure, having emotionally recounted his visit to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. The debate over this legislation continues as lawmakers weigh the implications of potential changes against the backdrop of recent events.