FSU reopens after shooting, allows students to attend classes remotely

Florida State University reopened its main campus in Tallahassee for classes Monday after two people were fatally shot and reportedly six others were injured by an active shooter last week.

University President Richard McCullough said that in-person and remote options will be made available for students. 

"We want everyone to receive the support and help they need," he said. "For some students, that may mean not going back into the classroom. For others, the idea of community and gathering, as well as the opportunity to focus on academics, may be beneficial. There is no single right answer for everyone."

The FSU administration shut down the campus Friday, after the mass shooting a day earlier.

Alleged shooter and FSU student Phoenix Ikner is now in police custody. Charges have yet to be filed.  Ikner obtained a gun from family member Jessica Ikner, who is a deputy for the Leon County Sheriff's office. 

Students and family members have left flowers and held vigils near the scene of the shootings as a memorial to the victims. 

McCullough initially said in an announcement Saturday morning that classes would resume in person and that students who did not feel safe returning to campus could individually contact their professors.  After receiving feedback from students and parents, the president released a second announcement, that night, stating that remote options would be provided for most classes.  

"While we will resume classes as scheduled on Monday, April 21, we are providing students and instructors with new options," McCullough said. "For example, a remote option is probable for many courses; however, there will be classes where it might not make sense (e.g. lab classes)."

Read McCullough's announcement