Who is Phoenix Ikner? FSU shooter who used mom’s gun in college shooting

The gunman who used his cop mother’s weapon in the fatal shooting at Florida State University has been identified as Phoenix Ikner. 

The 20-year-old opened fire just before noon Thursday at the student union, leaving two people dead and six injured. 

Ikner was shot by police after he refused their commands, and invoked his right not to speak when he was taken into custody. 

The handgun, found with the suspect when he was taken into custody, belonged to his mother, police said. 

Officials said his mom is Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy Jessica Ikner, and had ‘access to one of her weapons, and that was one of the weapons that was found at the scene.’ 

Leon County Sheriff McNeil said at the press conference the gunman was a member of the department’s youth set-up and was involved in training programs, and described him as ‘steeped in the Leon County Sheriff’s Office family.’ 

Phoenix Ikner, 20, opened fire just before noon Thursday at the student union, leaving two people dead and six injured

The handgun found with the suspect when he was taken into custody belonged to his mother Jessica Ikner (pictured), a  Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy, police said

Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell said the gun was previously used by his mother for law enforcement, but was her private handgun at the time of the shooting, because deputies ‘are allowed to purchase the handgun they used prior.’ 

Ikner is currently in custody in the hospital. 

A witness on the scene told WFTV they saw a college-aged man exit the student union with a handgun, and another witness told the Tallahassee Democrat that they’d heard what sounded like ‘automatic gunfire.’

Social media was flooded with sickening footage and images as panic set in, including one showing a victim being carried to safety on the shoulders of paramedics.

Cowering students shared videos hiding under desks, as authorities continue to urge anyone in the area to remain away from the area and stay inside.

Several witnesses shared clips of students fleeing and seeking shelter, with others showing food, picnic blankets and bags that were left on a lawn after students scrambled to safety.

Terrified people are seen on campus after the mass shooting 

Ikner was shot by police after he refused their commands, and invoked his right not to speak when he was taken into custody

One student shared chilling footage from inside a classroom where people were cowering in fear under desks.

A person could be heard bashing on the door multiple times yelling ‘open up’, but the terrified students were seen remaining silent and not moving in response.

As evacuations were carried out, images showed concerned students and faculty trying to call loved ones on campus, and Florida State University said Thursday afternoon that all classes and events were canceled for the day.

Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare said it was treating several victims and was ‘fully mobilized and prepared to provide the highest level of care and support to all those affected.’

Officials said he had ‘access to one of her weapons, and that was one of the weapons that was found at the scene.’ (Pictured: Jessica Ikner on right) 

As the campus remained under lockdown Thursday afternoon, a grey sedan was reportedly found by police with a weapon inside that authorities believe may have been linked to the shooting.

Several firearms including a shotgun and pistol have reportedly been seized by police, and the suspect was arrested with a weapon on them, police said. 

FSU senior Will Schatz told the Tallahassee Democrat he was in the Strozier Library when he saw his fellow students racing from the building.

‘I could have sworn I saw a cop running after somebody and screaming something when we ran out,’ he said. ‘Then when I got out, I heard seven to eight gunshots. I’m not sure if that was the shooter shooting or if the cops shot the shooter.’

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