A 20-year-old son of a sheriff’s deputy opened fire on Thursday at Florida State University using his mother’s former service weapon, resulting in the deaths of two men and injuries to at least six others, according to investigators.
Law enforcement officers responded swiftly and shot the assailant after he failed to follow their commands, as reported by Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell.
The motive behind the shooting, which occurred around lunchtime near the student union, remains undisclosed. The incident caused panic among students and parents, prompting them to seek refuge in a bowling alley and a freight elevator within the building.
The shooter, identified by authorities as Phoenix Ikner, is believed to be a student at Florida State University. The two deceased individuals were not students, as stated by Florida State University Police Chief Jason Trumbower, who declined to provide further details about the victims.
The weapon used in the attack belonged to Ikner’s mother, a sheriff’s office employee for over 18 years known for her exemplary service, according to Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil. Police indicated that Ikner utilized his mother’s former service handgun, which she retained for personal use after the department transitioned to new firearms.
Of the injured, five were hit by gunfire, while a sixth sustained injuries while attempting to escape, Revell noted in a statement on Thursday evening. All injured individuals are reported to be in fair condition, according to a Facebook update from Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare.
The alleged shooter had been a long-time member of the sheriff’s office’s youth advisory council, as mentioned by Sheriff McNeil.
“He has been deeply involved with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office family and participated in various training programs we offer,” McNeil stated. “Thus, it is not surprising that he had access to firearms.”
