TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – The tragic shooting at Florida State University has raised profound questions about the motivations of 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, accused of the attack that left two men dead and injured six others. Ikner, a political science student and stepson of a noted sheriff's deputy responsible for school safety, used his stepmother's former service weapon to commit the crime on April 17, 2025. When law enforcement responded to the reports of gunfire at the university’s student union, they discovered Ikner at the scene where he was shot and subsequently taken into custody. He invoked his right to remain silent, leaving his motives uncertain as he recuperates in the hospital.
Before the incident, Ikner had appeared to integrate well into the family-focused environment of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. He was a prominent member of a youth advisory council associated with the office, which his stepmother, Jessica Ikner, had been part of as a school resource officer for nearly two decades. Following the shooting, Jessica Ikner, who was on duty at a nearby middle school, was reassigned and granted personal leave. The sheriff’s office reported her actions during the shooting, including locking down the school to ensure no one could enter.
Witnesses describe a chaotic scene, as students fled in panic from gunfire, while Ikner reportedly used a handgun that his stepmother had retained for personal use after a departmental upgrade. Sheriff Walter McNeil acknowledged Ikner’s background with the sheriff’s office, noting that it was unsurprising he had access to firearms, as there were no records indicating prior criminal activity against him. In Florida, the requirements for obtaining a concealed carry permit are minimal, as training and background checks are not mandated.
Ikner’s childhood was not without turmoil. Following a series of custody disputes involving his biological mother, Anne-Mari Eriksen, significant incidents were noted in his early life, including a 2015 court case where Eriksen faced jail time for violating a court order. In 2020, seeking to alleviate the pain associated with his past, Ikner legally changed his name from Christian Eriksen to Phoenix Ikner, which signified his desire to rise anew. This change was approved by a magistrate who noted Ikner's maturity and articulate nature.
Classmates of Ikner have since recounted unsettling interactions with him, specifically highlighting his expulsion from a student club due to his espousal of troubling views. Among his peers, Ikner was reportedly known for racist and white supremacist sentiments that alienated him from group activities, leading to his dismissal from the organization. One such classmate, Reid Seybold, described the intense fear experienced during the shooting and expressed anger upon learning the identity of the shooter.
Ikner's transfer to Florida State from a local community college went largely unnoticed, except for a controversial comment he made regarding campus protests against President Donald Trump. His social media presence included references to aggressive Biblical verses, which he used in a context that alarmed some of his classmates.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the family of Jessica Ikner remains mostly silent. Law enforcement has cordoned off the family's neighborhood to prevent media access, reflecting the community's shock and grief over the tragic events. Jessica Ikner, previously recognized for her contributions as an employee of the sheriff's office, has received no public statement regarding the incident. Insight into her family philosophy was once provided through an article she wrote emphasizing the importance of trust in parenting.
The impact of this incident on the community and the broader discourse on gun access and mental health is still unfolding. As investigations continue, authorities are considering what charges may be applicable, and the story behind Ikner’s actions remains a puzzle, deepening the tragedy surrounding this shocking event.
