Florida State University Shooter Identified as Student, Son of Sheriff’s Deputy

The suspect in Thursday’s tragic shooting at Florida State University has been identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, a student at the university and the son of a Leon County sheriff’s deputy, authorities confirmed.

Ikner is accused of killing at least two people and injuring six others before being shot by police after he ignored their commands. He was hospitalized on Thursday with injuries from the encounter.

According to Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence E. Revell, Ikner used his mother’s personal firearm during the attack. Officials believe he acted alone, and no other suspects are being sought.

Little is known about Ikner’s recent life. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 2022 and was a member of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office Youth Advisory Council during the 2021-2022 school year — a program designed for high school students interested in community leadership and public service.

Jacob West, a former member of the same program, expressed disbelief at the news. He remembered Ikner as cheerful, community-minded, and passionate about cars and video games like Minecraft. “He always had good ideas to help the county,” West said, adding that Ikner had once talked about going into law enforcement but later lost interest.

“There was never any talk about guns or violence,” West said.

Calls to Ikner’s family and acquaintances went largely unanswered as the investigation continues.