FSU shooter IDed, used sheriff deputy mom's weapon in killing: police

Police identified the shooter as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner – a student at Florida State University

Two people were killed, and six others were injured in a shooting at Florida State University (FSU) on Thursday, authorities said. 

Police identified the suspected shooter as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, a student at the school. Ikner was taken to an area hospital after being "neutralized" by authorities. Police also said his mother is a sheriff's deputy with the Leon County Sheriff's Office, and said Ikner used his mother's weapon in the killing. 

The suspect's mother, Jessica Ikner, has been an officer for over 18 years, and authorities said she has done a "tremendous job" in her position.

"Her service to this community has been exceptional," Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil said at a press conference. "Unfortunately, her son had access to one of her weapons, and that was one of the weapons that was found at the scene. And we are continuing that investigation into how that weapon was used."

Date: 2025-04-17