Police Response at Florida State University
A tragic shooting at Florida State University resulted in the deaths of two individuals, with a 20-year-old suspect, Phoenix Ikner, charged with two counts of first-degree murder and multiple counts of attempted murder. The incident occurred near the Student Union, leading to swift police action. Ikner, who sustained injuries during the situation, is being held in the Wakulla County Detention Facility. Investigations are ongoing into his access to the firearm, and his political beliefs have also come under scrutiny in the aftermath of this devastating event.
Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old suspect, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and seven counts of attempted murder following a shooting incident at Florida State University (FSU) that occurred on April 17. Ikner was released from the hospital a month after the shooting, and a new mugshot revealed significant facial injuries sustained during the event.
The tragic shooting resulted in the deaths of two individuals: Robert Morales, 57, a dining coordinator at the university, and Tiru Chabba, 45, an Aramark employee. Six others were also injured during the attack, which unfolded shortly before noon, when multiple calls were made to law enforcement regarding an active shooter on campus.
In the course of the shooting, Ikner reportedly began his attack with a malfunctioning shotgun before switching to a .45 caliber Glock handgun, which led to the fatalities. Surveillance footage from the incident shows Ikner chasing and shooting Chabba and then targeting Morales as he walked through a food court.
Campus police responded swiftly, encountering Ikner outside the Student Union in a shooting stance. During this confrontation, Ikner was shot in the jaw by responding officers and subsequently hospitalized.
After his discharge from the hospital, Ikner was booked and transferred to the Wakulla County Detention Facility. His status as the stepson of a Leon County Sheriff’s Office deputy resulted in his transfer to this facility as a standard protocol to avoid any potential conflict of interest.
Police Chief Lawrence Revell reiterated the commitment of the Tallahassee Police Department to uphold justice and transparency while ensuring community safety during this ongoing investigation.
The investigation is also looking into how Ikner accessed the firearm, which allegedly belonged to his mother, Jessica Ikner, a police officer with 18 years of experience. Initial reports mistakenly suggested that an automatic weapon, specifically an AR-15 style rifle, was recovered at the crime scene. However, the police report confirmed that no such weapons were found.
Ikner’s political beliefs have come under scrutiny, as he had previously expressed views in an FSU student newspaper regarding anti-Trump protests. Classmates described him as harboring far-right views, raising questions about the impact of his beliefs on the incident.
In the wake of the shooting, FSU resumed classes just four days later, with provisions made for students who opted for remote learning. A probable cause affidavit detailing the case against Ikner is expected to be made publicly available following his first virtual court appearance from the detention facility.
The Leon County Sheriff’s Office will continue its investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ikner’s access to the weapon used in the crime, as the community seeks answers in the aftermath of this devastating event.
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