Authorities have identified the gunman behind the recent Florida State University (FSU) shooting as Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old from Tallahassee. According to WTSP, Ikner is the son of Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy Jessica Ikner.

Shooter’s Background Revealed

Jessica Ikner currently works as a School Resource Officer in Leon County. She had previously posted on Facebook about her work, including a photo of herself interacting with children during Florida Missing Children’s Day Foundation events. In a 2022 post, she shared a message about child discipline that read:
“Five minutes in the corner is better than five years in prison. Discipline them now so the system doesn’t have to do it later.”

Gun Belonged to the Officer

During a press conference on Thursday evening, law enforcement officials confirmed that Phoenix used a firearm that once belonged to his mother. Jessica Ikner had legally purchased one of her former service weapons, which had become her personal property. That firearm was recovered from the scene of the shooting.

Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil addressed the press and expressed deep sorrow over the incident. He said,
"This event is tragic in more ways than you people in the audience could ever fathom from a law enforcement perspective. But I will tell you this, we will make sure that we do everything we can to prosecute and make sure that we send a message to folks that this will never be tolerated here in Leon County, and I dare say, across this state and across this nation."

Ikner Was Once Involved in Youth Program

Authorities also confirmed that Phoenix Ikner had been a part of the Leon County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) Youth Advisory Council in the past, which makes the case even more complex and troubling.

What Happened on Campus

On Thursday just before noon, Phoenix Ikner reportedly opened fire near the student union on the FSU campus. The violence claimed two lives and left five others injured. Campus police responded quickly to the emergency. According to USA Today, officers “neutralized” the shooter and then rushed him to a hospital after he was injured in the confrontation.