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By Gabe Whisnant
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President Donald Trump addressed Thursday's deadly shooting at Florida State University.
Speaking to reporters during Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's visit, the president said, "I've been fully briefed as far as where we are right now. It's a shame, it's a horrible thing ... horrible that things like this take place. And we'll have more to say about it later."
Trump said later in the Oval Office, "It's a shame," he said, calling himself a "big advocate" of the Second Amendment and the right to bear arms. "The gun doesn't do the shooting, the people do," Trump said.
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Context
A 20-year-old Florida State University student, identified as Phoenix Ikner, opened fire on campus Thursday using his mother's former service weapon, killing two people and injuring at least five others, according to investigators. Ikner, who was shot by law enforcement and remains hospitalized, is the son of a sheriff's deputy, and the shooting unfolded just outside the student union around lunchtime, sending students and parents scrambling for safety—some taking cover in a bowling alley and a freight elevator inside the building.
The U.S. average yearly rate of student exposure to a school shooting has increased threefold, from 19 per 100,000 students in 1999-2004 to 51 in 2020-2024, according to KFF, a health policy research, polling and journalism nonprofit.
Donald Trump's Gun Control Position
Donald Trump has consistently positioned himself as a staunch defender of the Second Amendment, framing gun ownership as a fundamental constitutional right. During both of his presidential campaigns, Trump received strong backing from gun rights organizations, including the National Rifle Association (NRA), and has promised to protect law-abiding citizens' right to bear arms. He has opposed measures such as bans on assault weapons or high-capacity magazines, and has advocated for expanding concealed carry rights, including national reciprocity laws that would allow gun permits to be valid across state lines.
At the same time, Trump has expressed support for certain gun violence prevention efforts, particularly in the wake of mass shootings. Following the 2018 Parkland school shooting, he voiced support for strengthening background checks and temporarily seizing firearms from individuals deemed dangerous, though these proposals were not implemented.
Trump has repeatedly emphasized that addressing mental health issues, not restricting gun ownership, is the key to reducing gun violence.
What Others are Saying After FSU Shooting
Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis wrote on X, "Our prayers are with our FSU family and state law enforcement is actively responding."
Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote on X, "The @FBI is on the scene at Florida State and we are in communication with agents on the ground. Our priority is the safety of everyone involved. We will keep updating as we learn more. Praying for all."
Democratic Rep. Jared Moskowitz posted on X, "I'm monitoring this horrible tragedy in Tallahassee. My thoughts are with those in the hospital, their families, and the FSU community during this time. Students should be able to go to school without the threats of gun violence. This is why we passed the Marjory Stoneman Douglas School Safety Act."
Republican Florida Sen. Rick Scott posted on X, "Praying for the safety of everyone at FSU and a swift recovery for those injured. My team has been in touch with local law enforcement and continues to monitor the situation - students should continue to follow directions from school officials."
FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X, "My team and I have been briefed on the tragic shooting at Florida State and our FBI Jacksonville team is on the ground assisting. We will provide full support to local law enforcement as needed. Please keep the FSU community in your prayers."
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Update: 4/17/25, 2:46 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update: 4/17/25, 2:57 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update: 4/17/25, 3:04 p.m. ET: This article has been updated to clarify the number of reported victims in the shooting.
Update: 4/17/25, 4:18 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional remarks.
Update: 4/17/25, 4:56 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update: 4/17/25, 6:05 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional remarks from President Trump.
Update: 4/17/25, 8 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional remarks.
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