The gunman behind the deadly shooting at Florida State University’s Tallahassee campus has been identified as Phoenix Ikner, the 20-year-old son of Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy Jessica Ikner. The devastating attack on Thursday left two people dead and six others injured, plunging the campus into chaos and triggering an intensive multi-agency response.
Authorities say Ikner used a handgun once issued to his mother as part of her law enforcement duties—a weapon she later retained as a private firearm. The incident, which unfolded near FSU’s bustling Student Union, is now being investigated by the FBI, the Tallahassee Police Department, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and federal authorities.
Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell confirmed that the firearm recovered at the scene had previously been issued to Ikner’s mother but had become her private weapon at the time of the shooting. Ikner was described as “steeped in the Leon County Sheriff’s Office family” and had previously participated in the agency’s youth programs and law enforcement training initiatives.
Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil, speaking at a press conference, acknowledged Ikner’s ties to the department and expressed sorrow over the tragedy. “This is someone who grew up connected to our office,” he said. “It’s devastating for everyone involved.”
Ikner was injured during the incident and is currently hospitalized in custody. Police say they recovered multiple firearms, including a shotgun and pistol, and located a grey sedan near campus that may be linked to the attack.
Social media posts and prior interviews are painting a disturbing picture of the suspect’s mindset. In one cryptic message posted online, Ikner quoted the Book of Jeremiah: “You are my war club, my weapons for battle, with you I shatter nations, with you I destroy kingdoms.” The biblical reference has raised concerns that he may have been planning the attack with apocalyptic undertones.
Ikner had also mocked student protests following the 2024 presidential election. In a quote published in the FSU student magazine, he said of protestors: “These people are usually pretty entertaining, usually not for good reasons. I think it’s a little too late… unless you outright revolt, and I don’t think anyone wants that.” Ikner was studying political science at the university.
Witnesses described the moment violence broke out on campus as sudden and terrifying. Students were seen fleeing the Student Union, some dropping food, bags, and belongings in the scramble for safety. In one harrowing video, students hid under desks while someone outside the door repeatedly pounded and shouted, “Open up!” The classroom remained silent, filled with fear.
Paramedics rushed to the scene as emergency alerts locked down the university. One viral image captured a shooting victim being carried to safety on the shoulders of emergency personnel. The chaos continued as multiple agencies secured the area, evacuating buildings one by one and locking down nearby schools.
Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare confirmed it was treating six victims from the shooting—one in critical condition and the others in serious condition. The names of the victims have not yet been released.
Florida State University canceled all classes and events for the remainder of the day. Authorities later announced that students could return to their residence halls, though the Student Union remained an active crime scene. Personal belongings left in the area were temporarily inaccessible as investigators processed the scene.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and President Donald Trump both issued statements following the attack, offering condolences and confirming that law enforcement was fully engaged in the response. “Our prayers are with our FSU family,” DeSantis stated, echoing the sorrow felt across the state.
This is not the first time FSU’s Tallahassee campus has faced a deadly shooting. In 2014, a former student opened fire inside the Strozier Library, wounding three before being killed by police. Thursday’s shooting marks another dark chapter for a university community known for its vibrant academic life and alumni that include icons like actor Burt Reynolds and musician Jim Morrison.
The tragedy has reignited urgent conversations around firearm access—particularly within law enforcement households. Investigators are examining how Ikner gained access to the weapon and whether any lapses in storage protocols may have played a role.
As the investigation continues, FSU students, faculty, and families are left grappling with the trauma of a day that began like any other but ended in unthinkable violence. The university and local leaders are now working to provide mental health support and healing resources to those affected, while the search for answers presses on.
Florida State University remains under heightened security as officials vow to bring clarity and accountability in the wake of one of the most devastating campus attacks in recent memory.
