Florida State University shooting: What we know about 20-year-old gunman Phoenix Ikner, the son of a deputy sheriff

Phoenix Ikner Gunman accused in Florida state university campus shooting

In a tragic shooting incident at Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee, Phoenix Ikner, the son of a deputy sheriff, allegedly opened fire, killing two individuals and injuring six others.

The suspect, who used his mother's former service weapon, was shot by law enforcement officers, taken into custody, and later hospitalized. According to Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil, Ikner is the son of a long-serving Leon County sheriff’s deputy with over 18 years of service.

Leon County Sheriff Walter McNeil said, “Unfortunately, her son had access to one of her weapons, and that was one of the weapons that was found at the scene,” he said. “We are continuing that investigation into how that weapon was used and what other weapons he may have had access to.”

He shot on the moment by the police and then taken to hospital. However, his condition still remains unknown, and the motive behind the attack remains unknown.

Who is Phoenix Ikner? 

Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old Political Science student at Florida State University, has been identified as the suspect in Thursday’s campus shooting.

The son of Leon County Sheriff's Office school resource officer Jessica Ikner, he was previously involved with the department’s Youth Advisory Council and had participated in law enforcement training programs.

A registered Republican, Ikner was active in campus events and shared Bible verses on social media. Authorities said he used his mother’s former service weapon in the attack and was also found with a shotgun, though it’s unclear if it was used. Witnesses reported he switched from a rifle-style weapon to a pistol during the shooting.

Court records reviewed by CNN indicate that Phoenix Ikner, formerly named Christian Eriksen, had a difficult childhood. At age 10, he was allegedly taken to Norway by his biological mother in violation of a custody order. Both were dual citizens of the U.S. and Norway. Ikner later legally changed his name to Phoenix Ikner.

Apart from the pistol, Ikner was also found in possession of a shotgun, although it remains unclear whether he used the shotgun during the attack.