Florida State University Shooting: Student Phoenix Ikner Named as Suspect

 A wave of shock and grief swept through Florida State University late Thursday after authorities identified 20-year-old student Phoenix Ikner as the alleged gunman behind a deadly on-campus shooting.

The attack unfolded near FSU’s main quad just after 11:00 AM. According to initial reports, Ikner opened fire without warning, fatally shooting two individuals and wounding several others before he was apprehended by campus police. Students scrambled for safety as sirens blared and lockdown alerts were issued across campus.

What makes the case even more chilling is Ikner’s background: he is the son of a veteran Leon County sheriff’s deputy, raising unsettling questions about how he may have accessed a firearm.

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Multiple law enforcement sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Ikner allegedly used a handgun registered to a family member reportedly a former service weapon no longer in official use. Authorities also recovered a second firearm from the scene, though it is unclear whether it was discharged.

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Ikner, a political science major in his junior year, had no prior criminal history, and neighbors described him as quiet, if withdrawn. However, classmates have since come forward to describe signs of growing emotional instability in recent months, including erratic behavior and aggressive social media posts.

FSU President Richard McCullough called the shooting “a heartbreaking act of violence” and praised campus officers for their rapid response. “Lives were lost, and others changed forever but thanks to swift action, further bloodshed was prevented.”

The names of the deceased have not yet been released, but officials confirmed they were not FSU students. Six additional individuals were injured, some critically.

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The motive behind the attack remains under investigation. Ikner is currently being held without bond at Leon County Jail and is expected to face multiple charges, including two counts of first-degree murder and attempted murder.

The university has canceled classes through the weekend and is offering grief counseling to students, staff, and faculty.

“This is a moment of collective mourning for the entire Tallahassee community,” said Mayor John Dailey. “We must rally together, support the victims, and hold accountable those responsible.”

As Florida and the nation wrestle with yet another act of campus gun violence, the FSU tragedy has sparked urgent new questions about mental health, firearm access, and college safety in America.