Police have identified Phoenix Ikner, 20, as the suspect in the deadly FSU Campus Shooting. The attack happened Thursday in Tallahassee. Two people were killed, and five others were hurt. Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil confirmed the identity during a press conference about the tragic event. Ikner is a student at FSU. Authorities say he brought a pistol to campus and opened fire. The gun he used once belonged to his mother, a sheriff’s deputy. Officials believe he had access to the weapon through her.
Shooter Is the Son of a Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy
The investigation revealed that Phoenix Ikner is the son of a deputy with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. Police say he used one of her former service pistols in the FSU Campus Shooting. This detail shocked many people in the community. Deputies are still trying to understand how he got the gun. At the time of the attack, Ikner also had a shotgun. It is not clear if he used that weapon too. Some witnesses said they saw a rifle-shaped gun before he switched to a pistol. The situation remains confusing, but police are working to gather all the facts.
Ikner Had Links to the Sheriff’s Office Through Youth Program
Phoenix Ikner was not just connected to the sheriff’s office through his mother. He also served on the Youth Advisory Council for the department. This program allows young people to get involved in community safety. His involvement has raised more questions. People want to know how someone trusted with that kind of responsibility could carry out such violence during the FSU Campus Shooting. Sheriff McNeil called the event heartbreaking. He said no one in law enforcement ever expected something like this to happen.
Sheriff McNeil Speaks Out About the Tragic Shooting
During his press conference, Sheriff McNeil spoke openly about the pain the FSU Campus Shooting caused. He said, “This event is tragic in more ways than you people in the audience could ever phantom from a law enforcement perspective.” His words showed the deep shock felt within the department. The sheriff’s office is now dealing with both personal loss and public pressure. The fact that the shooter was part of their own extended family makes the tragedy even harder to bear.
Campus and Community Still in Shock After Deadly Attack
Students, staff, and parents are grieving. Many still can’t believe this happened on their campus. FSU is working to support students through counseling and other services. Community members are also holding vigils and offering help. The question on everyone’s mind is simple: How did this happen? How did a young man with strong ties to law enforcement gain access to deadly weapons and use them in the FSU Campus Shooting?
Investigation Into the FSU Shooting Is Still Active
The investigation is still ongoing. Police are reviewing security footage, talking to witnesses, and collecting evidence. They are also trying to understand what led Ikner to carry out the FSU Campus Shooting. As of now, no clear motive has been shared. Authorities are asking anyone with more information to come forward. More updates are expected in the coming days as the case develops.
