FSU Shooting: Suspect Identified as Deputy's Son, Used Her Retired Service Weapon

FSU Shooting Incident Overview

• 🎯 A gunman opened fire on the main campus of Florida State University on Thursday, April 17th, near the student union building.
• 🚨 FSU police responded immediately, engaging and apprehending the shooter.
• 🏥 Six victims were transported to a local hospital with gunshot wounds; two victims are deceased.
• 👥 The shooter, identified as 20-year-old FSU student Phoenix Ikner, was also transported to a hospital.

Shooter's Identity and Weapon

• 🔑 The shooter, Phoenix Ikner, is the son of a Leon County Sheriff's deputy with over 18 years of service.
• 🔫 Ikner used a handgun that was previously his mother's service weapon, which she had purchased after it was retired from service.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Ikner had also been a longstanding member of the Leon County Sheriff's Office youth advisory council and engaged in training programs.

Law Enforcement Response and Investigation

• 🚓 Multiple agencies, including FSU PD, Tallahassee PD, Leon County Sheriff's Office, and the FBI, responded to the incident.
• 🕵️ Tallahassee Police Department is leading the investigation into both the officer-involved shooting and the homicides.
• 🚫 The suspect invoked his right to remain silent and has not spoken to investigators.
• ❓ Investigators are examining how the weapon was accessed and if other weapons were involved.

University and Community Impact

• 🏫 Classes at FSU were cancelled through Friday, and all FSU athletic events were cancelled through Sunday.
• 🆘 Counseling and support services are available for students, faculty, and staff at the Donell Tucker Center.
• ❤️ The university president expressed heartbreak and thanked law enforcement for their rapid and courageous response.

Clarifications and Ongoing Investigation

• ⚠️ Officials confirmed there were no shots exchanged between the suspect and officers, but the suspect did not comply with commands and was shot.
• 📰 Information regarding the victims' identities and specific details of the incident will be released as the investigation progresses, in collaboration with the state attorney's office.
• 🤝 Law enforcement emphasized the seamless collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies during the response.