FSU Officer Receives New Award for Stopping Campus Gunman in Three Minutes
FSU Officer Cody Poppell honored with new award for ending deadly campus shooting in just over three minutes while riding his motorcycle.
HAVANA, FLORIDA — A Florida State University police officer who ended a deadly campus shooting in just over three minutes received a new law enforcement honor Wednesday, recognizing his swift response that officials say prevented additional casualties.
Officer Cody Poppell was awarded the inaugural Moment of Valor award during the 2025 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year ceremony in Havana. The recognition came for his actions during the April 17, 2025, shooting at FSU that left two dead and five wounded.
“Amid the chaos, Officer Poppell acted swiftly, rode his motorcycle over several curbs, sidewalks, into the heart of our campus and confronted the threat head on without really ever dismounting off of his motorcycle,” said Police Chief Jason Trumbower during the ceremony.
Motorcycle Response Ends Rampage
According to grand jury documents and body camera footage, Poppell responded on his motorcycle as soon as shots began at 11:57 a.m. outside FSU’s Student Union during final exam season. Three minutes and three seconds later, while still on his bike, Poppell fired multiple shots at the accused assailant from over 30 yards away.
“[He] made some incredible shots from over 30 yards away. It was pretty amazing,” Trumbower said. “[He] fired multiple shots and he brought the situation to an end and, without a doubt, he prevented many more tragedies that day.”
The shots struck 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner in the jaw, immediately ending the attack. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Ikner, who had already killed two people and wounded five others before Poppell’s intervention.
Recent Recognition and Ongoing Case
Poppell’s new award came just one day after he received Tallahassee State College’s 2026 Chris Connell Merit Award. The main Law Enforcement Officer of the Year title Wednesday went to Detective Eva Solis with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office for investigating and capturing a serial child predator.
Court documents revealed that Ikner had used ChatGPT in the hours and minutes before the attack to determine the busiest time of day on campus and how to properly fire his weapons. The artificial intelligence consultation was part of his preparation for the deadly assault during the busy final exam period.
The shooting marked one of the most rapid law enforcement responses to a campus attack in recent history. Poppell’s quick action on his motorcycle allowed him to navigate campus terrain that would have been difficult for patrol cars, reaching the scene and neutralizing the threat in record time.
