Florida Shooting Witness Casually Sipping Coffee, Filming Victim Leaves Internet Divided: 'Morals Are Gone'

Last Updated:April 18, 2025, 11:04 IST

Florida State University Shooting: While many of the internet users blasted the witness over his viral coffee stunt, an American journalist defended the person, blaming the gun law in the US. 

Florida State University Shooting | Image/X

Florida State University Shooting: A viral video showing a witness sipping coffee while casually walking by and filming a victim on the ground has sparked mixed reactions online.

The Florida State University shooting incident, which unfolded in broad daylight, claimed the lives of two civilians, leaving several others critically injured, according to officials.

Several users on X criticized the witness captured in the viral video, with some calling it a sign of America’s declining moral values, while others pointed fingers at the country’s gun laws.

The video, posted on X by Collin Rugg, showed that the victim of the shooting incident was lying down on the ground. However, she appeared to be safe, as another footage showed her receiving medical treatment.

A commenter wrote: “Morals are gone in America. This person sees wounded victims on the ground at Florida State University, yet just sips his Starbucks coffee and records the gruesome scene for Twitter clout."

“This clearly means the situation was safe enough for him to check on the wounded."

Another X user declared: “This heartless person needs to be outed and publicly shamed."

Internet Divided

While many of the users were spotted blasting the witness over his viral coffee stunt, an American journalist defended the person, blaming the gun culture and law in the US.

“Politicians don’t do anything about gun violence. Why should she (the witness). If this is even real," Merlisa wrote in an X post, triggering a fresh debate.

In response, an X user said that the incident was real and claimed that Florida State University stands to be a gun-free zone.

“Yes this is real and you’re just as bad as the person who walked by! FSU is a gun-free zone and the shooter took the gun from his mom who is a sheriff. How would a politician prevent this from happening? Evil will be evil no matter the laws in place!"

The shooter in the Florida State University (FSU) case has been identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, the son of a sheriff’s deputy.

“Unfortunately, her son had access to one of her weapons, and that was one of the weapons that was found at the scene," said Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil.

America’s Gun Law

America’s gun laws have long been a subject of intense debate and controversy, largely due to the country’s deeply rooted gun culture and the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution, which grants citizens the right to bear arms.

“A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed," read the Second Amendment.

Notably, the US Supreme Court also upheld that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual’s right to possess firearms for self-defence and other legal uses.

While supporters argue that these laws uphold personal freedom and self-defence, critics say the lack of strict regulations has led to a surge in gun violence, including mass shootings, school attacks, and accidental deaths.

United States of America (USA)

News world Florida Shooting Witness Casually Sipping Coffee, Filming Victim Leaves Internet Divided: 'Morals Are Gone'