Florida shooting suspect allegedly used Mother’s gun, raising questions of parental accountability
A tragic shooting at Florida State University has left a campus in mourning and a nation questioning as details emerge about the suspect’s troubled past, extremist views, and how he gained access to a deadly weapon.
Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old political science student at Florida State University (FSU), has been identified as the suspect in a mass shooting that occurred on April 17, 2025, near the student union building. The attack resulted in two fatalities and six injuries. Ikner was apprehended at the scene after being shot by FSU police officers. He is currently hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities have not yet determined a specific motive for the attack.
Ikner is the stepson of Jessica Ikner, a veteran deputy with the Leon County Sheriff's Office. Reports indicate that he used a firearm belonging to his stepmother during the shooting. Jessica Ikner has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation. Phoenix Ikner had access to firearms at home and had previously participated in youth training programs affiliated with law enforcement. Despite this background, he acted alone during the incident.
From a troubled past to extremist beliefs: The background of Phoenix Ikner under scrutiny after FSU shooting
Phoenix Ikner's upbringing was marked by legal and familial challenges. In 2015, his biological mother, Anne-Mari Eriksen, abducted him to Europe, violating custody agreements. During this time, Ikner missed critical medical treatments and school obligations. Upon returning to the U.S., Eriksen pleaded no contest to charges of removing a minor from the state. Ikner's mother has expressed concern over his well-being prior to the shooting.
Ikner's political views have raised concerns among peers and authorities. He was known for expressing white supremacist and extremist ideologies, which made fellow students uncomfortable. Ikner was reportedly asked to leave a political discussion group due to his controversial opinions. His involvement in such groups and his expressed views have prompted further scrutiny in the aftermath of the shooting. Investigations are ongoing to understand the influence of his beliefs on his actions.
FSU mourns victims as shooting sparks renewed debate on gun access and campus safety
The victims of the shooting have been identified as Robert Morales and Tiru Chabba. Both were employees of Aramark, the university's food service provider. Morales was a dining coordinator, and Chabba was a regional vice president. The university community has been deeply affected by the loss, with memorials and vigils held in their honor. FSU officials have expressed condolences and are providing support to those impacted.
The incident has reignited discussions on gun access and campus safety. Authorities are examining how Ikner obtained the firearm and whether there were any warning signs leading up to the attack. The university has implemented increased security measures, and law enforcement agencies are reviewing protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. The community remains in mourning as investigations continue.