A tragic shooting occurred on Thursday at Florida State University in Tallahassee, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuring six others, according to local police reports. The suspect, a 20-year-old student named Phoenix Ikner, has been identified as the son of a deputy in the local sheriff’s department.
The incident unfolded when Ikner opened fire, leading to a swift response from law enforcement. Officers engaged with Ikner, resulting in him being shot and subsequently taken into custody. This shocking event has raised numerous questions regarding the accessibility of firearms, particularly given Ikner's familial connections to law enforcement.
Ikner was reportedly armed with a former service revolver that belonged to his mother, who has served at the Leon County Sheriff’s Office for 18 years. It was noted that she was allowed to keep the firearm for personal use. Sheriff Walter McNeil highlighted that Ikner had participated in various training programs at the Sheriff’s Office and was also a member of its youth advisory committee. “He has been steeped in the Leon County Sheriff’s Office family,” Sheriff McNeil remarked, emphasizing the unexpected nature of Ikner’s access to weapons.
According to Chief Lawrence E. Revell of the Tallahassee Police Department, Ikner was also in possession of a shotgun during the incident. However, it remains unclear whether this firearm was used in the attack. The police have confirmed that the two victims of the shooting were not students at the university, and their identities have not yet been released as of Thursday evening.
This incident has sent shockwaves through the campus and the surrounding community. As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the shooting, the focus remains on understanding how a young man with connections to law enforcement could carry out such a violent act. The tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing issues related to gun access and safety in educational environments.
As the investigation unfolds, updates will be provided by local law enforcement and university officials. The community is urged to stay informed and engaged as they process this devastating event.
