Tallahassee, FL – Chaos ensued at Florida State University when a gunman unleashed a deadly attack near the student union, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to several others. The suspect, identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, allegedly began shooting at 11:50 a.m. Thursday, according to authorities.
Police reported that Ikner, the stepson of a sheriff’s deputy and possibly a student at FSU, was apprehended after a brief confrontation during which he was also injured. Details have emerged that Ikner used a firearm that legally belonged to his stepmother, a former service weapon. The shooting spree left the community gripped with fear and sorrow as the university and local law enforcement worked to manage the aftermath.
Among those tragically killed was 57-year-old Robert Morales, who served as FSU’s dining coordinator. Tiru Chabba, 45, a vendor working on the campus and a father of two from Greenville, South Carolina, also lost his life in the incident. Bakari Sellers, an attorney representing Chabba’s family, expressed their profound grief and shock over the violent loss.
Local hospitals, including Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, treated six wounded victims, with three undergoing surgery. Although their conditions were initially critical, doctors were optimistic about their recovery, reporting stable conditions and significant improvements for the injured.
Investigations into the motive are ongoing, with law enforcement exploring all angles, including Ikner’s connections and background. Sheriff Walt McNeil remarked on Ikner’s previous involvement with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office’s Youth Advisory Council, highlighting his access to firearms. The Sheriff also noted that there appeared to be no direct link between Ikner and the victims.
Reid Seybold, a former college acquaintance, disclosed that Ikner had been previously asked to leave a political discussion group due to his extremist views. This added layer has prompted further investigation into Ikner’s ideological leanings and potential influences.
Medical updates indicated that Phoenix Ikner was seriously injured during the police response and remained hospitalized. Police Chief Lawrence Revell confirmed that once medically feasible, Ikner would be transferred to a detention facility to face charges, which could include first-degree murder.
This tragic incident raises questions about campus safety, gun control, and the mechanisms by which individuals with extremist views procure firearms. The community, while relieved by the swift response of law enforcement, remains shaken by the unpredictability and horror of the assault.
Florida State University has pledged to enhance security measures and provide support to students and staff shaken by the events. This incident is another stark reminder of the prevalence of gun violence in educational settings and the ongoing debate over how best to protect public spaces.