Who Is Phoenix Ikner? Everything We Know About the Florida State University Shooting Suspect

A quiet Thursday morning on Florida State University’s campus was shattered by gunfire that claimed two lives, injured five others, and left the nation grappling with yet another senseless act of violence. The suspect: 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, a political science student at FSU and the son of a veteran Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy.

As details emerge, the case raises urgent questions about school safety, mental health, access to firearms, and how a promising young man descended into tragedy.

Read more: FSU Mass Shooting: Viral Photo of 2023 Maine Shooter Falsely Linked to Florida Suspect

Who Is Phoenix Ikner? A Closer Look at the Suspect

Phoenix Ikner, 20, was known among peers and professors as a quiet but intelligent student. Born and raised in Tallahassee, Ikner was the only son of Deputy Jessica Ikner, a respected 18-year veteran of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office.

He had no prior criminal record. In fact, Phoenix participated in the Sheriff’s Youth Advisory Council during high school and was reportedly considering a future in public service.

However, friends say his demeanor changed in recent months. He grew more isolated, skipped classes, and had several heated political debates online. One classmate, who asked to remain anonymous, described him as “intensely smart, but emotionally off-balance lately.”

Phoenix had been involved with the Leon County Sheriff's Office's Youth Advisory Council and participated in several law enforcement training programs. ​

Deputy Jessica Ikner currently serves as a school resource officer. She is cooperating fully with the investigation, and her service to the community has been described as exceptional by Sheriff Walter McNeil.

Timeline of the Shooting: What Happened at FSU?

An evacuee talks on the phone after a mass shooting occurred on FSU campus Thursday, April 17, 2025

Thursday, April 17, 11:47 a.m.

Gunshots were first reported near the FSU Student Union and Legacy Walk, a central area on campus bustling with students between classes.

11:50 a.m.

FSU issued an active shooter alert via text, email, and campus loudspeakers. Students and faculty were ordered to shelter in place.

12:10 p.m.

Tallahassee Police, along with FSU campus security and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, located and engaged the suspect near the Oglesby Union. Phoenix Ikner was shot and wounded in the confrontation.

12:15 p.m.

He was transported to Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare under police custody. He is currently in stable condition but has not yet spoken to authorities.

The Victims: Two Dead, Five Injured

Students are escorted out of the FSU Student Union after a mass shooting occurred Thursday, April 17, 2025.

Authorities confirmed that two victims, both in their early 20s, died at the scene. Neither were FSU students.

Among the five injured, one remains in critical condition. FSU has not released their names but confirmed that counseling services have been made available to all students and staff affected.

The Weapon: A Deputy’s Service Gun

Investigators revealed that Ikner used his mother’s former department-issued Glock 17, which was legally in her possession at home. In addition, he had a 12-gauge shotgun and a .22-caliber pistol in his vehicle — neither were used in the shooting.

How he accessed the weapon remains under review, but early reports suggest there were no signs of forced entry at his home.

Motive Still Unclear, Digital Footprint Under Scrutiny

A motive has yet to be confirmed. However, authorities are combing through Phoenix Ikner’s phone, laptop, and social media profiles.

Preliminary findings show he had visited several controversial forums discussing nihilism, mass shootings, and anti-government sentiments. No manifesto has been discovered yet, but law enforcement says there are “digital materials of concern.”

The FBI is assisting with the investigation, examining whether the attack was ideologically motivated or a result of mental health issues.

Family, Mental Health, and Warning Signs

Sources close to the Ikner family describe Phoenix as a “loner” in recent years. Though he had access to resources — both financial and emotional — he reportedly refused therapy despite his mother’s efforts.

Deputy Jessica Ikner is now on administrative leave. In a brief statement, she said, “I am devastated beyond words. I never imagined something like this could happen. I am so sorry for the pain my son has caused.”

Could the Deputy Mother Face Legal Consequences?

Jessica Ikner

It’s unclear whether the suspect’s mother, Deputy Jessica Ikner, could face legal repercussions. Legal analyst Misty Marris told NewsNation Now that the situation is complicated by the suspect’s age.

“You’re dealing with a 20-year-old adult,” Marris explained. “If this had involved a minor — say, someone 15 or 16 — then there’d be a stronger case for potential liability under Florida law for failing to properly secure a firearm.”

Read more: Who Is Jessica Ikner? The Veteran Deputy and Mother of Florida State University Shooting Suspect

FSU Responds: Classes Canceled, Campus in Mourning

Florida State University President Richard McCullough announced that all classes are canceled through the weekend. Vigils are being organized on Landis Green, and a “campus safety overhaul” is underway.

“This is a heartbreaking moment for our community,” McCullough said. “But we will come together, grieve together, and ensure something like this never happens again.”

As the investigation continues, the FSU community and the nation grapple with the aftermath of yet another campus shooting, highlighting ongoing concerns about gun violence and campus safety.

What Happens Next?

Phoenix Ikner remains hospitalized under 24-hour guard. Charges are pending and expected to include:

• Two counts of first-degree murder

• Five counts of attempted murder

• Possession of a firearm on school property

• Use of a firearm during the commission of a felony

He will be arraigned once released from the hospital. A mental health evaluation has been ordered by the court.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Campus Safety

The Florida State University shooting is a sobering reminder that violence can come from the most unexpected places — even the child of law enforcement. As more information comes to light about Phoenix Ikner, the public, policymakers, and university officials will need to confront the tough questions this tragedy leaves behind.

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