The community at Florida State University is still in shock after a deadly shooting left two people dead and several others injured. Now, the name of the suspected shooter has been released—and it’s someone no one expected.
Phoenix Ikner, 20 years old, has been identified as the person accused of carrying out the terrifying attack. What makes this even more surprising is that Phoenix is reportedly the son of a sheriff’s deputy in Leon County, Florida. Officials confirmed the connection during a press conference on Thursday evening.
Phoenix was known in the area. He had previously been part of youth programs connected to the sheriff’s office. This new detail is raising serious questions about how he was able to get his hands on multiple weapons. According to police, they recovered both a shotgun and a pistol at the scene.
The shooting happened around midday on Thursday on FSU’s Tallahassee campus. Students were suddenly caught in a life-or-death situation. Some were walking through the Student Union when the gunfire began. Others were stuck inside classrooms, forced to hide under desks in silence while chaos broke out around them.
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One witness said it sounded like “automatic gunfire.” Another said they saw a man come out of the student union carrying a handgun. Videos posted online showed students running, crying, and trying to contact loved ones. It was clear that nobody felt safe.
Police responded quickly. They shot and injured the suspect, who was then taken to a hospital. Authorities say he was arrested and will face charges once he is medically stable.
As the campus went into lockdown, nearby schools also took precautions. Students were told to stay away from the area, and the Student Union was declared an active crime scene. Investigators also found a gray sedan with weapons inside. It’s still unclear whether that vehicle is connected to Ikner.
The FBI is now involved in the investigation, along with local police. The motive behind the shooting is still unknown. Authorities have not said why Ikner may have done this, or what may have triggered the violence.
The university canceled all classes and events for the rest of the day. Some students were finally allowed to return to their dorms late in the evening, once the immediate danger was over. But many are still shaken and scared. The fear on campus is real.
What makes this story more painful is Ikner’s background. People expect law enforcement families to uphold safety—not be linked to a crime scene.
As more details come out, emotions are running high. Families are grieving. Students are angry. And everyone is wondering how a college campus became the target of such violence—again.
Featured image via Screengrab
