Attorney shares message of gratitude from injured FSU student: 'Your love has been felt'

Yahoo! News - Apr 26th, 2025

Reese Gourley, a sophomore at Florida State University, has come forward to share her message of resilience and gratitude following the mass shooting on April 17. Gourley, who was shot in the back, expressed her appreciation for the police, medical staff, and community members who saved her life. In a message released by her attorneys, she emphasized the strength and solidarity of the FSU community, calling them 'unconquered.' Her statement also reflects her gratitude for the thoughts and prayers that have supported her during her recovery. Gourley is one of five students injured in the attack, and her parents have expressed their heartfelt thanks to those who offered support and condolences, particularly to the families of the two students who were killed.

The incident has had a profound impact on the FSU community, highlighting issues of gun violence and campus safety. With the attacker, Phoenix Ikner, being shot by police shortly after the attack, attention has turned to the broader implications of the tragedy. The weapon used in the shooting allegedly belonged to Ikner's stepmother, a Leon County Sheriff's Office Deputy, raising concerns about gun access and responsibility. The Gourley family, represented by Fasig | Brooks Law Offices, is focused on Reese's healing journey, emphasizing resilience and the lessons learned from this traumatic event. They have requested privacy as they navigate this challenging time, underscoring the broader community's need for healing and reflection in the wake of such violence.

Gun Violence Tallahassee Fsu Shooting Campus Safety Phoenix Ikner Reese Gourley Fasig Brooks Law Offices

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively conveys the personal impact of the April 17 mass shooting at Florida State University, focusing on Reese Gourley's experience and her family's response. It is well-written, timely, and relevant, addressing a significant public interest topic. The narrative is clear and engaging, with a strong emotional appeal that humanizes the broader issue of gun violence. However, the article's reliance on a single source for information and its limited exploration of broader systemic issues somewhat constrain its depth and impact. By incorporating a wider range of perspectives and additional verification of certain claims, the article could provide a more comprehensive and influential account of the incident and its implications. Overall, it offers a valuable contribution to ongoing discussions about campus safety and gun control, while highlighting the resilience and strength of those affected by such tragedies.

Accuracy

The news story is largely accurate, with specific details about Reese Gourley's message, her background, and the incident. The claim that Gourley was shot in the back during the April 17 mass shooting aligns with known facts about the incident. However, the assertion that the firearm used belonged to the shooter's stepmother, a Leon County Sheriff's Office Deputy, requires verification. The story accurately reports the names and roles of the people involved, such as Reese Gourley, her parents, and her attorney. The facts presented about the shooting, including the number of victims and the identity of the shooter, Phoenix Ikner, are consistent with available information. While the story provides a comprehensive account, it would benefit from additional corroboration of certain claims, particularly regarding the firearm's ownership.

Balance

The article presents a balanced perspective by including statements from Reese Gourley, her parents, and her legal representatives. It focuses on the personal impact of the shooting on Gourley and her family, highlighting their gratitude and resilience. However, the story primarily centers on the victims' perspective, with little information about the broader context of the shooting or the shooter's background and motivations. While the victims' voices are crucial, the inclusion of law enforcement or university officials' perspectives could provide a more comprehensive view of the incident and its aftermath.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and clearly communicates the key points about the shooting and its impact on Reese Gourley and her family. The language is straightforward, and the narrative flows logically from Gourley's personal message to her parents' statements and the legal representation. The tone is neutral and empathetic, appropriate for the sensitive nature of the topic. However, the article could benefit from clearer delineation between verified facts and statements that require further confirmation, improving the overall clarity for readers.

Source quality

The article cites credible sources, including statements from Reese Gourley, her parents, and her attorneys. The representation by Fasig | Brooks Law Offices adds a layer of reliability to the information provided. However, the article lacks direct quotes or statements from law enforcement or university officials, which could enhance its credibility. The reliance on a single law firm for information about the incident may introduce a potential conflict of interest, as the firm represents the Gourley family. Including a broader range of authoritative sources would strengthen the article's reliability.

Transparency

The article provides a clear narrative of Reese Gourley's experience and her family's response to the shooting. It transparently outlines the source of the information, primarily statements released by her attorneys. However, the article does not disclose the methodology of how the information was gathered or verified. Additionally, it lacks discussion of potential conflicts of interest, such as the law firm's role in representing the family. Greater transparency about the sources and the verification process would enhance the article's credibility.