The recent shooting incident at Florida State University has left the community in shock as authorities reveal that the suspect, Phoenix Ikner, 20, is the son of a local sheriff’s deputy. Ikner is accused of gunning down two individuals and injuring five others on Thursday. This unsettling event has raised numerous questions about the suspect’s background and motivations.
According to officials, Phoenix Ikner was found in possession of a handgun that was previously the service weapon of his mother, Sheriff’s Deputy Jessica Ikner. Sheriff Walter McNeil stated that the suspect had a close relationship with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office and had participated in various training programs. “It’s not a surprise to us that he had access to weapons,” McNeil said, emphasizing the family's deep-rooted ties to law enforcement.
Ikner’s childhood was marked by significant turmoil. Court records reveal that his biological mother was accused of abducting him from the United States in violation of a custody agreement when he was just 10 years old. Sheriff McNeil described Phoenix as a “longstanding member” of the sheriff’s Youth Advisory Council, which aims to foster communication between local youth and law enforcement.
Following the incident, an Instagram account linked to Phoenix Ikner was taken offline. The profile featured a biblical quote: “You are my war club, my weapon for battle; with you I shatter nations, with you I destroy kingdoms.” In addition to his social media presence, Ikner was identified as a registered Republican and was quoted in a student newspaper about political protests surrounding the Trump inauguration. His comments suggested a critical stance towards anti-Trump sentiments, stating, “I think it’s a little too late... unless you outright revolt.”
Reid Seybold, an FSU student who knew Ikner, reported unsettling behavior during their time together in a political club. Seybold mentioned that Ikner was asked to leave the group due to comments that made other members uncomfortable. “He talked about the ravages of multiculturalism and communism and how it’s ruining America,” Seybold recalled, indicating that Ikner’s views often extended beyond typical conservatism.
Legal documents concerning Ikner’s early life reveal that he was initially named Christian Eriksen. His biological mother was charged with removing him from the country without consent, leading to a plea of no contest and a subsequent sentence that included jail time and probation. The records state that she had taken him to Norway, violating a court order, and her actions have cast a long shadow over Ikner’s upbringing.
Community members are grappling with the shocking connection between the suspect and local law enforcement. Kenniyah Houston, a member of the sheriff’s youth council, expressed disbelief that someone with Ikner’s background could be involved in such violence. “For something like this to happen from someone in a group like that is scary … it’s devastating,” she stated, reflecting the sentiments of many in the community.
The investigation into the shooting continues, and authorities have yet to disclose a clear motive behind the tragic events. As Florida State University and the surrounding community seek to understand this incident, the focus remains on healing and finding answers.
