According to Leon County Sheriff Walter McNeil, Phoenix Ikner used a pistol that had been his mother’s service weapon in the attack. Police also found a handgun on Ikner, a shotgun at the scene, and another gun in his car. It is unclear whether these weapons were used in the attack.
Diario AS
Phoenix Ikner was a member of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office Youth Advisory Council and participated in numerous law enforcement-related training programs. He was known to the law enforcement community, but the motive for the attack remains unknown as Ikner refused to cooperate with police from the hospital.
Latest news & breaking headlines
The victims who died were not FSU students. Following the incident, the university canceled classes and athletic events for the week to ensure the safety of students and staff. The shooting has shocked the community, especially given the suspect’s background in law enforcement.
Jessica Ikner, the suspect’s mother, is known for her significant community work, including supporting disadvantaged children and promoting gun safety for women. She is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.
The incident has raised questions about gun control and security in educational institutions, as well as the importance of supervision and psychological support for young people, especially those with ties to law enforcement.
Deputy Sheriff’s Son Suspected in Shooting That Killed 2, Mother Speaks Out Admitting Her Son’s Guilt
Tallahassee, Florida – On April 17, 2025, the Florida community was shocked by a serious shooting that occurred on the Florida State University (FSU) campus. The incident left at least two people dead and six others injured. The suspect was identified as Phoenix Ikner, 20, a sophomore majoring in criminology – and the son of Leon County Deputy Sheriff Jessica Ikner.
According to witnesses at the scene, Phoenix suddenly opened fire on a group of people near the school library before barricading himself in an old lecture hall building. Police forces were quickly deployed and controlled the suspect after 17 tense minutes. Phoenix is currently being treated for minor injuries at the hospital under strict supervision.
Speaking at a tearful press conference this morning, Jessica Ikner, a mother and police officer with nearly 20 years of experience, confirmed the suspect’s identity and did not shirk responsibility:
“I know my son did something unforgivable. As a mother, my heart breaks. But as a law enforcement officer, I will never make excuses for a crime. Phoenix committed a crime, and he will face the consequences of the law.”
According to Chief Walter McNeil, the suspect used a semi-automatic gun – which was determined to have been legally owned by Ms. Ikner but had gone missing three weeks ago without being reported. In addition, police also seized two more guns at the scene and in the suspect’s car.
The shocking information is not only because of the severity of the incident, but also because Phoenix was known in the community as an excellent student, had participated in the youth mentoring program in the police force and had the desire to follow in her mother’s footsteps. However, recent reports suggest that he had previously shown signs of mental health issues but did not receive adequate treatment.
The victims of the shooting are still being fully identified, but police have confirmed that they were not FSU students. The school has placed the entire campus on lockdown for 48 hours and is providing emergency counseling for students, faculty, and staff.
The incident has once again reignited the debate over gun control and mental health supervision among young Americans, especially those in law enforcement. Jessica Ikner pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation and offered her condolences to the families of the victims:
“There are no words that can ease this pain. I pray every night that the families find justice and peace.”
Phoenix Ikner is currently in custody and faces multiple serious charges, including first-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon.
