Two killed, six wounded after gunman opens fire at Florida State University

A Florida gunman who is the son of a local deputy sheriff used his mother's former service weapon to kill two and wound six in a shooting on the campus of Florida State University, authorities say.

The 20-year-old, identified by police as Phoenix Ikner, opened fire outside the student union building.

Officers quickly arrived and shot and wounded Ikner after he refused to comply with commands, said Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell.

Authorities have not yet revealed a motive for the shooting, which began around lunchtime on Thursday, sending frightened students and parents hiding for cover in a bowling alley and a freight elevator inside the building.

The two men who were killed were not students, Florida State University Police Chief Jason Trumbower said, adding that he would not release additional information about the victims.

The shooter obtained access to a weapon that belonged to his mother, who has been with the sheriff’s office for over 18 years.

According to reports, she had kept the weapon for personal use after the force upgraded to new firearms.

The university has cancelled all classes and Florida State has suspended all home athletic events.