FSU Campus Shooting: Suspect Identified as Phoenix Ikner, Son of Local Deputy, with Troubling History
- Victor Nwoko
- Apr 18
- 2 min read

Authorities have identified Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old Florida State University student, as the suspect behind the shooting that occurred on campus Thursday. The incident left at least two people dead and several others injured. The victims, who have not yet been identified, were confirmed not to be FSU students.
Ikner, the son of Leon County Sheriff's Deputy Jessica Ikner, is believed to have used one of his mother’s firearms in the attack, according to law enforcement officials. He was taken into custody with serious but non-life-threatening injuries and has reportedly refused to speak with investigators. Officials believe he acted alone.

New information has surfaced about Ikner’s behavior prior to the shooting. Fellow students described him as combative and frequently argumentative in class. He was known for promoting conspiracy theories and allegedly made fellow students feel uncomfortable. According to multiple sources, he was expelled from a political club on campus after making inappropriate remarks and unsettling other members.
One student, Lucas Luzietti, recalled that Ikner would often boast about owning guns and expressed concern, stating, “I remember thinking this man should not have access to firearms.” Another student, Reid Seybold, explained that Ikner's behavior had grown so disturbing that some students stopped attending the club altogether.

In a now-deleted social media profile, Ikner reportedly quoted a biblical passage referring to “weapons for battle” and referenced Judgment Day, further alarming peers. His involvement with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office Youth Advisory Council has drawn additional scrutiny given his access to firearms and his mother's law enforcement background. Investigators said it was “no surprise” that he had access to weapons.
The shooting unfolded near the FSU Student Union around noon on Thursday, prompting immediate lockdown protocols. Students and staff were ordered to shelter in place as law enforcement, including FBI agents, responded to the active shooter situation. It took more than three hours to fully secure the campus and neutralize the threat.

Several students shared harrowing accounts of the incident. Angel DeJesus said he hid in a small classroom. Andrew Cheyne reported that students barricaded themselves in restrooms. Paige Miller described hearing four loud bangs before witnessing wounded individuals near the student union. Sam Swartz recalled hearing about 10 gunshots and said students around him were “freaking out.”
Emily Palmer, 21, was near the Student Union when the chaos broke out. She said she was overwhelmed and frightened, sharing that she was “shaking” as she worried for her friends’ safety.
The campus community quickly came together in the aftermath. Vigils were held Thursday night as students gathered to honor the victims. Many laid flowers, stuffed animals, and lit candles, while others knelt in prayer or consoled one another.
This incident is not the first shooting to impact the FSU campus. In 2014, three people were injured when a former student, Myron May, opened fire in the library.
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