Investigations are underway to determine the motivations behind a devastating shooting at Florida State University on Thursday afternoon, where two people were killed and six others injured.
The Suspect: Phoenix Ikner
Authorities have identified the suspect as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, a political science student at FSU. After refusing initial commands from law enforcement, Ikner was shot and wounded by responding officers.
Weapon & Family Connection
A significant detail of the investigation reveals that Ikner allegedly used his mother’s former service handgun in the attack. His mother, Jessica Ikner, is a long-standing sheriff’s deputy with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. The department upgraded its standard issue weapons some time ago, leaving her former weapon available for personal use.
Prior Statements & Political Views
Months prior to the shooting, Ikner was quoted in an FSU student newspaper article discussing anti-Trump protests. His words, initially published and later retracted due to ethical considerations, expressed a dismissive view of the demonstrations:
“These people are usually pretty entertaining, usually not for good reasons… I don’t think anyone wants [revolt].”
Sheriff’s Office Involvement
Ikner had extensive involvement with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. He was a long-standing member of their Youth Advisory Council (YAC), which aims to provide young people with a voice in addressing youth issues within the county.
According to the Leon County Sheriff’s Office website:
- The YAC advises the Sheriff on matters affecting local teens.
- It informs young people about opportunities and actively listens to their suggestions for improving the Sheriff’s Office’s youth-oriented efforts.
- The group is tasked with identifying and discussing issues facing young people in Leon County.
Impact of the Shooting
Five victims sustained gunshot wounds, while a sixth was injured attempting to escape. Ikner remains hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare reported on Friday that three patients are in good condition and one remains in fair condition, with two expected to be discharged later today.
Eyewitness Account
Aidan Stickney, a business management student, recounted witnessing the initial moments of the attack. “I got lucky today. I really did. I really, really did,” he stated after narrowly escaping the situation.
Stickney described seeing Ikner exit a vehicle with a shotgun, which reportedly jammed before the suspect switched to a handgun and opened fire on a woman.
Mother’s Service & Ongoing Investigation
Sheriff Walt McNeil praised Jessica Ikner’s 18 years of service with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, stating her contributions have been “exceptional.” The investigation is ongoing to determine how Ikner gained access to his mother’s former weapon.
Loss & Community Response
The victims tragically killed were not FSU students. Authorities believe that Ikner acted alone.
In response to the tragedy, Florida State University has canceled all classes through Friday and postponed athletic events. A vigil for the victims is scheduled for 5 p.m. Friday at Langford Green.
University President Richard McCullough condemned the shooting as a “tragic and senseless act of violence” on social media.
