Phoenix Eichner FSU Shooting; Gunman Identified As Deputy’s Son, Two Deasd, Six IInjured In Campus
Tallahassee police identified the suspect in Thursday’s shooting at Florida State University as Phoenix Ikner, the son of a local deputy.
In an afternoon press conference, FSU police Chief Jason Trumbower said the 20-year-old suspect was the gunman responsible for the deaths of two people at the university. Six other people were also hospitalized.
“At approximately 11:50 a.m. Thursday, April 17, a gunman opened fire on the main campus of Florida State University in Tallahassee, shooting multiple individuals in the vicinity of the Student Union Building,” Trumbower said. “FSU police responded immediately, engaged, neutralized, and apprehended the shooter.”
According to Tallahassee police Chief Lawrence Revell, officers challenged the alleged gunman. When the student did not comply with their commands, the law enforcement officers shot him.
Phoenix Ikner was taken to a hospital after the shooting, the chief said.
Who is Phoenix Ikner?
Phoenix Ikner was believed to be a student at the university, according to Trumbower. An FSU article on anti-Trump protests quoted the student and said he was a political science major.
Ikner’s quote has since been removed from that article, with FSU News saying they removed him from the article “to maintain ethical journalistic standards and avoid amplifying the voice of an individual responsible for violence.”
Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil said the 20-year-old was the son of one of his deputies.
“Deputy Ikner has been with the county sheriff’s office for over 18 years,” McNeil said. “She has a tremendous job that she’s done. Her service to this community has been exceptional.”
“We are continuing that investigation into how that weapon was used and what other weapons perhaps he may have had access to,” McNeil said.
Revell said the weapon in question was a gun the deputy used to use before transitioning to a new service weapon.
