Two people lost their lives, and six others were injured in a tragic incident at Florida State University when a gunman opened fire. Authorities identified the 20-year-old suspect as the stepson of a sheriff’s deputy, who was subsequently apprehended.
The university issued an immediate alert for an active shooter near the student union, leading to a campus lockdown. The lockdown ended around 3 p.m. after law enforcement confirmed the suspect had been “neutralized.”
In the wake of the shooting, the community has shown resilience and unity. Students and faculty returned Friday to collect personal belongings left behind in the panic. Josh Jontiff, a geology student, recounted the tense moments in his classroom when they received the alert about the active shooter. “We all moved to one side of the room and turned off the lights,” he said.
Police led them outside with their hands on their heads, a situation Jontiff described as “very scary,” but he tried to maintain calm for himself and those around him. A steady stream of students visited a makeshift memorial near the student union, leaving flowers, candles, and other tokens of remembrance.
Among the mourners were members of the Florida State women’s volleyball team, who held a brief prayer circle. Junior Audrey Rothman expressed the indescribable nature of the tragedy, while freshman Brooke Poppe recalled the terrifying moments spent in lockdown at the gym where she was working out.
Some students at FSU have the additional trauma of having experienced the 2018 Parkland school shooting. The community sought solace and healing through a Good Friday service at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, where prayers were offered for the victims and their families.
Reverend R.B. Holmes, who visited the victims alongside Tallahassee’s Mayor, emphasized a message of hope and healing during these trying times.
University President Richard McCullough held an evening vigil, calling for a moment of silence. He acknowledged the immense impact of this tragedy on the university and the broader community, emphasizing the need to move forward together.
Governor Ron DeSantis ordered flags to be flown at half-staff statewide to honor those lost and recognize the courage of first responders.
Victims identified include Robert Morales, involved with campus dining services and a former assistant football coach, and Tiru Chabba, a devoted father and worker for a food service vendor. According to medical personnel, the injured are all expected to recover.
Sheriff Walter McNeil identified the suspect as Phoenix Ikner, highlighting his prior involvement with the sheriff’s youth advisory council. It was revealed that the weapon used belonged to Ikner’s stepfather, who is part of the sheriff’s department, compounding the tragedy with personal ties within law enforcement.
Ikner’s educational journey brought him to FSU as a political science junior. His troubled childhood included legal battles involving his biological mother, resulting in custodial disputes and legal actions stemming from her intent to defy court orders.
In a significant personal decision, Ikner changed his name from Christian Eriksen to Phoenix Ikner, reflecting his desire for a fresh start, as noted by a magistrate familiar with his case.
The shooter’s stepmother, Deputy Jessica Ikner, serving in the county’s sheriff’s office, was nearby on duty at a middle school. She was praised for securing the school during the shooting. Following the event, she requested personal leave and has been assigned to a different unit within the sheriff’s office.
As the investigation continues, the university and its surrounding community remain engaged in efforts to support those affected and to find closure from this terrible chapter.