The gunman behind the deadly shooting at Florida State University (FSU) on Thursday has been identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, the son of a Leon County sheriff’s deputy. Authorities confirmed the identity of the alleged shooter during a press conference, revealing shocking details about the tragedy that unfolded near the FSU Student Union.
Phoenix Ikner, armed with both a handgun and a shotgun, opened fire on campus, killing two people and injuring six others. One victim is reported to be in critical condition, while others are listed as seriously injured. All the victims were rushed to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital for treatment.
According to Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil, Ikner had access to his mother’s personal firearms, including one weapon that was found at the scene of the shooting. Sheriff McNeil stated, “Phoenix had access to one of his mother’s personal weapons,” adding that the gunman was also armed with a shotgun at the time of the attack.
The tragic event led to a swift police response, during which officers confronted Ikner on campus. The suspect was shot by law enforcement but survived with non-life-threatening injuries. He was taken into custody and remains hospitalized, ABC-11 reports.
Ikner’s connection to the law enforcement community has shocked many. His mother, Jessica Ikner, is a long-serving deputy with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, having worked with the department for over 18 years. Sheriff McNeil described her service as “exceptional” but noted that, given their ties to law enforcement, it wasn’t surprising that Phoenix had access to firearms. “He’s been steeped in the Leon County Sheriff’s Office family,” McNeil said.
Adding to the complexity of the case, an Instagram account believed to belong to Ikner gained attention on social media before it was deleted. While its authenticity was not confirmed, the account reportedly shared troubling content ahead of the shooting.
The investigation into the motive behind the shooting is still ongoing, and authorities are working to understand what led to the deadly attack.
