It’s been one week since an active shooter was reported near the FSU student union.
2 people were killed and 6 injured. The accused gunman, 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, was shot by FSU police and is still in the hospital.
Campus reopened on Monday, days after the shooting. Many students, faculty, and staff weren't ready.
FSU administration provided options, like virtual attendance. Then they went further with just two weeks left of classes. Students were allowed to end their semester early, taking whatever grades they had as of the day of the shooting.
University leaders were persistent in encouraging those struggling to deal with the horror to seek help by calling 850-644-TALK (8255). Counseling services are also offered at the Askew Student Life Center.
On the Speaking Of Radio Hour, we hear from a team of WFSU reporters who covered the shooting and the aftermath. We hear from students about their experience that day and their efforts to pass gun reform. We also talk with FSU professor and Certified Traumatologist Sally Karioth.
Here are some snippets from the show:
"My girlfriend and I went on Sunday to the Askew Student Life Center where they had emotional therapy dogs. They had FBI and FSU counselors there that are specialized in dealing with trauma and situations like this. So we were both able to get counseling and psychological services there." ~WFSU reporter Tristan Wood
"I think that is something people are reflecting back on....what that means for the world that we live in today where this is becoming not a once-in-a-lifetime tragedy, but something someone could experience more than once." ~WFSU Assistant News Director Regan McCarthy
"I went to my little brother's talent show, but I didn't see the confetti cannons when they pulled them out, and so my heart stopped when I heard them...My final is in the same room where I was barricaded in. I don't want my semester's work to go to waste, but I don't want to go back there." ~Piper Greisl, an FSU junior who later opted to end her semester early
"(We) have been lobbying for Florida lawmakers to pass sensible gun legislation... Secure and safe (gun) storage is an important piece." ~Andres Perez, a junior and president of the FSU chapter of Students Demand Action
"In trauma, the event is often so horrific that you stop yourself from thinking about it. But your body, still in sympathy with you would like to do something with this big chunk, and it will wait for you...Trauma is merciless." ~Dr. Sally Karioth, longtime faculty member of the FSU College of Nursing
Click LISTEN above to hear the entire segment.
