Phoenix Ikner Identified as FSU Shooting Suspect; Two Dead, Six Injured in Tragedy
On April 17, 2025, a devastating shooting occurred at Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee, Florida, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to six others. The suspect, 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, an FSU student and the son of a long-serving Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy, was apprehended after the attack. Authorities confirmed that Ikner used a firearm obtained through his mother’s law enforcement connections during the incident.
Incident Overview:
The shooting unfolded near the university’s Student Union Building around 11:50 a.m. Ikner arrived in an orange Hummer, exited the vehicle, and began firing a rifle in the direction of students and faculty. He then switched to a handgun, fatally shooting two individuals who were not affiliated with the university. The identities of these victims have not been publicly released as of now.
Law enforcement officers responded swiftly to the scene. Ikner was shot and apprehended after failing to comply with police commands. He was subsequently transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Victims:
The victims of the shooting included:
- Elijah Velez (18): Sustained a grazing wound and was treated at the scene before being released.
- Nathan Scott (30): A library employee who was shot in the leg during the attack. He was hospitalized and is recovering from his injuries.
- Farhan Ahmed (21): A biomedical engineering student at FSU who was critically injured during the shooting. He was shot three times, including one shot that severely damaged his spine, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. His condition has been upgraded from critical to serious, and he remains hospitalized.
Suspect Details:
Phoenix Ikner, the alleged perpetrator, was a student at FSU and had been involved in law enforcement youth programs through his mother’s position at the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities revealed that he used his mother’s former service handgun in the attack. Ikner was immediately apprehended and is currently receiving medical treatment under police custody.
Aftermath:
In the wake of the shooting, FSU canceled all classes for the remainder of the week, and nearby Florida A&M University also suspended classes for the day. The Tallahassee Police Department is leading the ongoing investigation, with assistance from the FBI and the Florida Attorney General’s office. Governor Ron DeSantis and President Donald Trump have expressed their condolences and support to the FSU community.
This tragic event marks another dark chapter in the history of campus shootings in the United States, following the 2014 shooting at FSU’s Strozier Library. The community has rallied together to support the victims and their families during this challenging time.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to understand the motives behind the attack and to ensure the safety of the campus community. The FSU community remains united in the face of this tragedy, determined to support one another and honor the memories of those affected.
