LAST UPDATE | 17 Apr

TWO PEOPLE HAVE been killed following a mass shooting at Florida State University (FSU) in the US.

A statement from the Tallahassee Police Department confirmed that the alleged shooter, who is a male student, was “engaged and neutralised” shortly after the incident took place. The suspect was not killed but was shot by police, the department told media.

Police also told reporters in Florida this evening that officers responded to the reports of the shooting immediately. Six people were injured, one critically, and brought to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.

The alleged shooter was also transported to hospital and has been identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, the son of an active-service county sheriff deputy. Police said at least one weapon, a handgun, which was used during the incident belonged to the female deputy.

Police said that it is common for officers to purchase service weapons from their department after it is decommissioned and the handgun allegedly used by the accused shooter is not believed to be an active service weapon.

Law enforcement have secured the campus and students at FSU were told to shelter in place as police officers and agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation clear at the scene in Tallahassee, Florida.

A number of buildings on campus have been closed as investigations continue. The police department has asked the public and witnesses to provide them with any footage they might have of the incident.

A safety alert issued to students by the university at 12pm local time (5pm Irish time) said an active shooter was reported in the area of the student union on campus. A shelter in place order was established during the incident and has since been lifted.

Six people were receiving treatment at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, a spokesperson told the AFP news agency. One person is in a critical condition.

FSU confirmed earlier that the threat on campus was “neutralised”.

The Tallahassee Police Department said multiple law enforcement agencies were working to secure FSU campus. Officers have asked the public to stay away from the student union building, which students have told US media is a very popular area on campus.

Students in need of assistance have been directed to a nearby indoor arena in Tallahassee. Three US media outlets have reported that FBI agents from a local office in Jacksonville attended the scene.

FSU has cancelled all classes and operations until Monday following the incident. The university has also requested that students and staff call their loved ones and family as soon as possible to update them on their status. 

Police have told the media that the suspect has been placed under arrest and has chosen not to speak with investigators at this time. Investigations into the incident will continue, they said.

Includes reporting by AFP