Importance Score: 75 / 100 🔴
TALLAHASSEE, FL – Authorities have identified Phoenix Ikner as the assailant responsible for the deadly shooting at Florida State University’s student union. The 20-year-old reportedly used a weapon belonging to his mother, a law enforcement officer.
Police Engagement and Investigation
Ikner was shot by law enforcement officers after reportedly disregarding police orders at the scene. Upon being taken into custody, he asserted his Fifth Amendment right and declined to speak with investigators.
Weapon Origin
Police confirmed that the pistol recovered from Ikner at the time of his apprehension was registered to his mother.
Sheriff’s Department Connection
Leon County Sheriff McNeil stated in a news conference that Ikner was involved in the department’s youth cadet programs and described him as deeply connected to the Sheriff’s Office family, adding another layer to the unfolding tragedy at Florida State University.
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
Phoenix Ikner, 20, began shooting just before noon Thursday at the student union, resulting in two fatalities and six injuries.
The handgun found with the suspect when he was apprehended belonged to his mother, Jessica Ikner, a Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy.
Weapon Details
Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell clarified that while the weapon was formerly used by Deputy Ikner in her law enforcement duties, it was her personal firearm at the time of the incident. He explained that deputies are permitted to acquire their service weapons for personal use.
Suspect’s Status
Ikner is currently detained and receiving medical treatment at a local hospital.
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses recounted the unfolding events, providing chilling details from the scene:
- One witness told WFTV they observed a young man, appearing to be of college age, exiting the student union building brandishing a pistol.
- Another witness reported to the Tallahassee Democrat hearing what they described as rapid gunfire, similar to automatic weapons.
Campus Response and Aftermath
Social media platforms were inundated with disturbing footage and images as panic ensued on campus. One image depicted paramedics carrying an injured individual to safety.
Student and Faculty Reactions
Frightened students shared videos online showcasing them hiding under desks as the situation unfolded. Authorities urged individuals in the vicinity to avoid the campus area and remain indoors for their safety.
Witness accounts and visuals depicted the campus in disarray:
- Students were seen fleeing buildings and taking refuge.
- Personal belongings like food, picnic blankets, and bags remained scattered on lawns as students fled to safety.
- Unsettling footage emerged from inside classrooms showing students cowering under desks.
- In one video, a person could be heard pounding on a classroom door, yelling “open up,” while frightened students inside remained silent and motionless.
As evacuations commenced, images showed worried students and faculty attempting to contact loved ones on campus. Florida State University announced the cancellation of all classes and events for the remainder of the day.
Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare stated they were treating multiple victims and were fully prepared to provide necessary care and support.
Alarmed individuals are seen on campus following the mass shooting.
Ikner was shot by police after he disregarded their commands, and asserted his right not to speak when he was taken into custody.
One student shared unsettling footage from inside a classroom where people were taking cover under desks in fear.
An individual could be heard pounding on the door multiple times yelling ‘open up’, but the frightened students were observed remaining silent and not moving in response.
As campus evacuations commenced, images showed concerned students and faculty trying to contact loved ones on campus, and Florida State University announced Thursday afternoon that all classes and events were canceled for the day.
Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare stated it was treating several victims and was ‘fully mobilized and prepared to provide the highest level of care and support to all those affected.’
Officials stated he had ‘access to one of her weapons, and that was one of the weapons that was found at the scene.’ (Pictured: Jessica Ikner on right)
As the campus remained in lockdown Thursday afternoon, authorities allegedly discovered a grey sedan containing a firearm, which they suspect may be connected to the shooting incident.
Potential Vehicle Link
As the campus remained in lockdown Thursday afternoon, authorities allegedly discovered a grey sedan containing a firearm, which they suspect may be connected to the shooting incident.
Multiple Weapons Recovered
Police sources indicate that several weapons, including a shotgun and handgun, have been recovered in connection to the incident. The suspect was also apprehended while in possession of a weapon.
Student Testimony
FSU senior Will Schatz recounted his experience to the Tallahassee Democrat, stating he witnessed students hurrying out of the Strozier Library:
‘I believe I saw a police officer running after someone and shouting as we ran out,’ he said. ‘Then when I got outside, I heard seven to eight rounds fired. I’m not sure if that was the shooter firing or if police shot the shooter.’