FSU Shooting: Suspect Identified as Phoenix Ikner, Son of Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy

20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, son of a Leon County sheriff’s deputy, identified as the shooter in the FSU campus shooting that left 2 dead and 6 injured.

 

Tallahassee, Florida – The suspect behind Thursday’s tragic mass shooting at Florida State University (FSU) has been identified as Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old and the son of a longtime deputy with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office.

 

Leon County Sheriff Walter McNeil confirmed that Ikner opened fire on the university’s main campus around 11:50 a.m., killing two individuals and injuring six others. Authorities stated that none of the deceased were FSU students.

 

“It’s not a surprise to us that he had access to weapons,” McNeil said, revealing that Ikner used one of his mother’s service weapons in the attack. His mother, Jessica Ikner, has served as a sheriff’s deputy for over 18 years and previously worked as a school resource officer.

 

One of her handguns was found at the scene, and investigators are examining how Phoenix Ikner accessed and used it in the shooting.

 

Authorities say Phoenix Ikner was previously involved in the Leon County Sheriff’s Office Youth Advisory Council, an initiative designed to build bridges between local law enforcement and young community members. Ikner served on the council during the 2021–2022 term, participating in leadership and community service programs.

 

Sheriff McNeil emphasized the emotional toll the incident has taken on both the department and the community. “He was steeped in this office’s family,” McNeil said. “This is a devastating moment for all of us.”

 

According to police, Ikner began shooting near FSU’s Student Union building. Officers responded quickly and engaged him at the scene. He was shot and taken into custody before being transported to a local hospital.

 

Six people were injured in the shooting and are being treated at local hospitals. Their conditions have not been disclosed publicly.

 

Police said Phoenix Ikner has invoked his right to remain silent and is not cooperating with investigators.

 

“This event is tragic,” Sheriff McNeil added. “But I will tell you this: We will prosecute this case to the fullest extent and send a message that this kind of violence will not be tolerated—not in Leon County, not in Florida, and not anywhere in this nation.”