A 20-year-old Florida State University student fatally shot two people and wounded five others near the campus Student Union on Thursday, authorities said. Sheriff's officials named Phoenix Ikner, son of a Leon County deputy, as the suspect. Ikner used his mother's former service pistol in the attack, police confirmed, via the New York Post.
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Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil revealed Ikner's identity during a press conference hours after the shooting. Ikner, a political science major, sustained injuries from police gunfire and remains hospitalized. He carried his mother's old handgun and a shotgun, but authorities have not confirmed the shotgun's use.
FSU Lockdown and Student Response
The attack began at 11:50 a.m., triggering an FSU active shooter alert. Students and staff acted quickly to secure safety. Ella Williams, a student on campus, described the chaos. "It felt unreal," she said, via News 4. "We locked doors with desks, shut windows, turned off lights, and huddled in a corner."
Miriam Sancey, working at a mobile coffee shop near the Student Union, sought refuge in a nearby church and coffee house. "We dropped everything and ran," Sancey said, via News 4. "They welcomed everyone needing shelter. I'm deeply thankful." Both women prayed during the lockdown and later attended church to find solace.
Suspect's Ties and Ongoing Probe
Ikner served on the Leon County Sheriff's Office Youth Advisory Council, connecting him closely to law enforcement. "He was part of our sheriff's office family," McNeil said. The handgun belonged to Ikner's mother, Deputy Jessica Ikner, who bought it after its retirement from service.
Officers shot Ikner when he ignored their commands, police said. He invoked his Fifth Amendment rights and has not spoken to investigators. The two deceased victims were not FSU students, though officials withheld their names. Six others received treatment at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, including one initially in critical condition.
Sheriff McNeil labeled the shooting "tragic" and promised strong legal action.
"We will make clear this won't be tolerated in Leon County," he said.
Investigators continue to search for a motive and analyze Ikner's actions as the community mourns.
