When the gunfire broke out on campus, graduate student Madison Askins, 23, found herself shot—and forced to play dead while the shooter reloaded just feet away.
🔫 Chaos at Noon
On April 17, 2025, at around 11:57 a.m., gunshots erupted near FSU’s Student Union. The 20-year-old gunman, student Phoenix Ikner, fired wildly, killing two and injuring six others. Students described hearing at least 10–15 shots and panicking as they fled.
ecalling what her parents drilled her on: she played dead. Askins released all muscle tension, closed her eyes, and held her breath, sneaking short inhalations only when needed.
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