A Nation Haunted by Gunfire
Mass shootings have become a grim and frequent reality across the United States, leaving communities in fear, families shattered, and students increasingly forced to turn classrooms into survival zones. From elementary schools to college campuses, the epidemic of gun violence continues to devastate lives, with safety drills and lockdowns becoming as routine as recess and midterms.
This past Thursday, the community at Florida State University (FSU) was thrust into terror as gunfire erupted near the campus, marking yet another horrifying chapter in America’s struggle with mass shootings. In a situation where quick thinking often makes the difference between life and death, a group of students demonstrated remarkable ingenuity—using chewing gum to shield themselves from potential danger.
Chewing Gum and Classroom Courage
As chaos unfolded outside, FSU student Jeffrey LaFray and his classmates were huddled inside a classroom with their teacher, desperately trying to stay out of sight. The windows were exposed, and without tape to cover them, they had no way to block the view from the outside. That’s when resourcefulness kicked in.
“The teacher was asking if any of us had tape,” LaFray told Good Morning America. “No one did, so some of us just got out our gum, started chewing, and used it to stick paper to the windows.”
It was a small but significant act—creating a visual barrier that could deter a shooter from targeting their classroom. In those few minutes, every piece of gum became a tool for survival.
Surviving by Stillness: Playing Dead to Stay Alive
Elsewhere on campus, another student endured a life-threatening encounter with unimaginable composure. Madison Askins, a 23-year-old graduate student, was walking near the student union when she was suddenly shot from behind. The bullet struck her in the buttocks, and instinctively, she collapsed and feigned death.
“I kept my eyes shut and played dead,” Askins told ABC News. “I released all the muscles in my body, closed my eyes, and held my breath.” She explained that she only took tiny breaths to avoid detection. “I know for certain if I was moving, he would’ve shot me again.”
Her actions likely saved her life. She described the chaotic scene as students scattered in every direction, especially when they heard the shooter reloading and shouting, “Keep running.”
The Shooter and Aftermath
The shooter was identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, the stepson of a local sheriff’s deputy. Ikner reportedly used his stepmother’s former service weapon to carry out the attack, which left two people dead and five others injured. He was ultimately shot by police and is currently hospitalized.
The tragedy has reignited debates over gun access, mental health, and the dangers of unsecured firearms in households linked to law enforcement.
Tragedy, Resilience, and a Call for Change
What happened at FSU is a chilling reminder of how normalized mass shootings have become in American life. The fact that students must improvise with chewing gum to protect themselves, or play dead to avoid being killed, is not a testament to preparedness—it is an indictment of policy failure.
While the bravery and quick thinking of survivors like LaFray and Askins deserve recognition, they should never have been placed in such situations to begin with. Until systemic action is taken to address the root causes of gun violence, stories of courage will continue to be written in the blood and fear of yet another shooting.
(With inputs from agencies)
