FSU Shooting: Suspect Identified as Sheriff’s Deputy’s Son, Used Mother’s Service Weapon, Police Say

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A tragic shooting at Florida State University (FSU) on April 17, 2025, left two people dead and six others injured, with authorities identifying the suspect as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, a student at the university and the son of a Leon County Sheriff’s Office deputy. According to police Angling, Ikner used a handgun, previously a service weapon belonging to his mother, Deputy Jessica Ikner, to carry out the attack near the FSU student union. The incident has shocked the Tallahassee community and raised questions about firearm access and campus safety.

The Shooting

The shooting occurred shortly after 11 a.m. on Wednesday near the Oglesby Union, a busy hub of student activity on FSU’s campus. Police say Ikner, armed with a handgun and a shotgun, opened fire, targeting individuals in the area. Two people, neither of whom were FSU students, were killed, and six others were injured, with injuries ranging from minor to serious. The identities of the victims have not been released pending notification of their families.

Responding officers from the FSU Police Department and Leon County Sheriff’s Office confronted Ikner, who was described as non-compliant and armed. After he failed to follow commands to drop his weapons, officers shot him. Ikner sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a local hospital, where he remains under guard. Authorities recovered both the handgun and shotgun at the scene.

Suspect’s Background and Weapon Access

Phoenix Ikner, a Tallahassee native and FSU student, was the son of Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy Jessica Ikner, a respected member of the sheriff’s office. Sheriff Walter McNeil confirmed during a press conference that the handgun used in the shooting was a former service weapon belonging to Deputy Ikner. As a member of the sheriff’s office Youth Advisory Council and a participant in its training programs, Phoenix Ikner had access to firearms and was familiar with their use.

“Phoenix was someone we knew,” Sheriff McNeil said. “He was part of our extended sheriff’s office family through his mother’s service and his involvement in our youth programs. This is a devastating event for all of us.”

Investigators are still working to determine how Ikner obtained the weapon and whether it was properly secured. Sheriff McNeil declined to comment on the specifics of the weapon’s storage, citing the ongoing investigation. The shotgun’s origin is also under scrutiny.

Motive Remains Unclear

As of Thursday, authorities have not identified a clear motive for the shooting. FSU Police Chief David Perry said investigators are examining Ikner’s social media activity, electronic devices, and personal interactions to piece together his state of mind and potential triggers. No manifesto or public statements from Ikner have been found, and police have not yet classified the incident as a targeted attack or a random act of violence.

“We are working diligently to understand why this happened,” Chief Perry said. “Our priority is supporting the victims’ families and ensuring the safety of our campus community.”

Campus and Community Response

The shooting prompted an immediate lockdown of FSU’s campus, with students and faculty instructed to shelter in place for several hours. The lockdown was lifted by mid-afternoon, but classes were canceled through Thursday to allow for mourning and recovery. FSU President Richard McCullough announced that counseling services would be available for students and staff affected by the tragedy.

“This is a heartbreaking day for Florida State University,” McCullough said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and our entire Seminole community as we navigate this loss together.”

Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey expressed condolences and praised the swift response of law enforcement. “Our city stands united with FSU during this difficult time,” Dailey said. “We will do everything in our power to support the healing process and prevent future tragedies.”

Broader Implications

The FSU shooting has reignited discussions about gun violence, campus security, and the responsibilities of firearm owners, particularly those in law enforcement. The fact that Ikner used a weapon linked to his mother’s service has raised questions about how such firearms are stored and secured in officers’ homes.

Nationally, the incident adds to ongoing debates about gun control and mental health resources for young adults. Advocacy groups on both sides of the issue have begun weighing in, with some calling for stricter gun laws and others emphasizing the importance of addressing underlying mental health crises.

Investigation Ongoing

The investigation is being led by the FSU Police Department, with support from the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and federal authorities, including the FBI. Forensic analysis of the weapons, crime scene evidence, and Ikner’s personal effects is underway. Authorities are also interviewing witnesses and reviewing security footage from the student union area.

Sheriff McNeil urged the public to avoid speculation and allow investigators to complete their work. “We owe it to the victims and their families to get this right,” he said. “We will share more information as it becomes available.”

Ikner has not yet been formally charged, pending his medical evaluation and further investigation. Legal experts anticipate charges could include murder, attempted murder, and weapons-related offenses, though the exact charges will depend on the findings of the investigation.

Moving Forward

As FSU and Tallahassee grapple with the aftermath of the shooting, community leaders are calling for unity and resilience. Vigils and memorials for the victims are being planned, and FSU has vowed to review its security protocols to prevent future incidents.

For now, the focus remains on supporting those affected and seeking answers to the question that looms largest: why?

This article is based on available information as of April 17, 2025. Updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.