On April 17, 2025, a tragic shooting at Florida State University left two people dead and six injured. The suspected shooter, 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, reportedly used his mother’s former service weapon. He was wounded by police and is in the hospital.

President Donald Trump addressed the incident, calling it “terrible” but reiterated his strong support for the Second Amendment, stating, “The gun doesn’t do the shooting, the people do,” and, “I will always protect the Second Amendment.”

His comments drew criticism online, with many accusing him of lacking empathy and deflecting from the issue of gun violence. Some said his remarks were disrespectful to the victims.

The motive behind the attack remains unknown, and the names of the victims have not been released. The public continues to react strongly to both the tragedy and Trump’s controversial response. Read more below