On Thursday, Florida State University in Tallahassee was rocked by a mass shooting that left two people dead and five others wounded. The suspect, identified as 20‑year‑old student Phoenix Ikner—sometimes misreported online as “Phoenix Eichner”—is now in custody. In a dramatic turn of events, university police shot and injured him after he failed to comply with commands.
Sheriff Walter McNeil of Leon County revealed that Ikner is the son of longtime deputy Jessica Ikner. Phoenix spent years training alongside local law enforcement and even served on the sheriff’s Youth Advisory Council. “He was steeped in the Leon County Sheriff’s Office family and engaged in a number of our training programs,” McNeil told reporters, noting that access to weapons was therefore “not a surprise.”
From Advisory Council to Active Shooter
Phoenix Ikner’s journey from promising youth advisor to Florida State shooting suspect is both unsettling and tragic:
- Youth Advisory Council: Ikner was a longstanding member of a council designed to bridge communication between Leon County’s youth and police.
- Service Weapon Link: When he was arrested, the handgun he carried was his mother’s former service weapon.
- Educational Path: A junior political science major, Ikner transferred to FSU this spring after earning an associate’s degree from Tallahassee State College in December.
Court records reveal a tumultuous childhood. His biological mother—named in filings as Christian Eriksen—was convicted of taking him to Norway in 2015 in violation of a custody agreement. He legally changed his name from Christian Eriksen to Phoenix Ikner after returning to the U.S.
FSU Mass Shooting Injures Six, Suspect in Custody
The Day of the Shooting at FSU Campus
Shortly after noon, FSU’s emergency alert system warned of an active shooter near the Student Union. Students and faculty were told to lock down. Within minutes, law enforcement descended on the scene:
“He did not comply with commands,” said Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell. “We do not believe he fired at officers.”
Five survivors—the FSU shooting victims— transported to Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. All had sustained gunshot wounds; one remains in critical condition while the others are in serious but stable condition. They are not releasing the identities of the victims of FSU shooting – pending family notifications.
Tiffany Fong: Crypto Influencer Who Refused Elon Musk’s ‘Baby’ Proposal
Community Shock and Ongoing Investigation
The suspect’s prior affiliation with law enforcement has stunned both colleagues and classmates. Kenniyah Houston, a fellow council member, told CNN, “For something like this to happen from someone in a group like that is devastating.”
University spokesperson Stephen Stone confirmed that FSU is cooperating fully with state and local authorities. The Leon County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Department of Law Enforcement continue to investigate what caused this tragic turn of events. Authorities have offered no motive and ask anyone with information to come forward.
Josh Shapiro Escapes PA Governor’s Mansion Fire: Suspect Cody Balmer Arrested
What Happened in Florida Today?
- Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, Leon County
- Casualties: Two killed, five injured
- Suspect: Phoenix Ikner (misreported as Phoenix Eichner), 20, FSU student
- Weapon: Deputy Jessica Ikner’s former service handgun
- Status: Suspect in custody, hospitalized with non–life-threatening injuries
This campus shooting is the latest in a string of school shootings today that have reignited debates over campus security and mental health support. FSU is activating counseling services for students and staff, and suspending classes until further notice.
Judge Boasberg Finds Probable Cause to Hold Trump Administration in Contempt
As authorities piece together the timeline and motives, the Tallahassee community remains on edge. For the latest FSU shooting updates, follow official FSU channels and local news outlets like the Tallahassee Democrat.
📢 Follow TNN for ongoing coverage of phoenix eichner FSU news, Florida State University updates, and more.
One thought on “What We Know About FSU Shooting Suspect Phoenix Eichner”