A 20-year-old Florida State University student who espoused white supremacist views and had ties to local law enforcement is suspected of killing two people and injuring six others in a campus shooting on Thursday, according to police and former classmates.
The suspect, identified as Phoenix Ikner, was shot and wounded by responding officers after he failed to comply with commands, Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell said at a press briefing. Ikner, whose mother is a long-serving deputy with the Leon County Sheriff's Office, is believed to have used her former service weapon in the attack. The firearm had reportedly been retained for personal use after departmental upgrades.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that two victims died in the attack, while five others suffered gunshot wounds and one was injured while fleeing. All surviving victims were in fair condition as of Thursday night, according to Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. The two deceased individuals were not enrolled at FSU, authorities said.
Ikner was hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities have not yet identified a motive, but details emerging from classmates and law enforcement point to a history of extremist rhetoric and privileged access to firearms.
Former classmates described Ikner as vocal in political science classes and campus clubs, often voicing racist ideologies. "I got into arguments with him in class over how gross the things he said were," Lucas Luzietti told USA Today. "I remember thinking this man should not have access to firearms." Another classmate, Reid Seybold, said Ikner was expelled from a political discussion group for espousing "so much white supremacist rhetoric."
Ikner had also been an active participant in the Leon County Sheriff's Office Youth Advisory Council, a group intended to help local teens engage with law enforcement. "It's not a surprise to us that he had access to weapons," said Sheriff Walt McNeil. "He has been steeped in the Leon County Sheriff's Office family, engaged in a number of training programs."
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as the suspect began shooting. Aidan Stickney, a business management student, said he saw a man exit a vehicle with a shotgun, aim at another man, and then retrieve a handgun after the initial weapon jammed. "I got lucky today. I really did," Stickney said.
University President Richard McCullough called the shooting "a tragic and senseless act of violence" and announced the cancellation of classes and athletic events through the weekend. Authorities have said the investigation is ongoing and that Ikner acted alone.
Jessica Ikner, the suspect's mother, has served as a deputy for over 18 years and has been praised for her contributions to the community. Sheriff McNeil said: "Her service to this community has been exceptional. Unfortunately, her son had access to one of her weapons."
Police are also examining how the firearm was stored and what security protocols may have failed. As of Friday morning, FSU's campus remained under heightened security as students, staff, and families grappled with the aftermath.
