News Summary
Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old Florida State University student, faces murder charges following a shooting that claimed two lives and injured several others. The incident occurred at the Student Union, where Ikner used a Glock handgun to carry out the attack. Though he has no known ties to the victims, he was indicted on two counts of first-degree murder. Classes resumed shortly after the incident, with the community left grappling with the tragic event’s aftermath.
Florida – Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old student at Florida State University (FSU), has been charged with two counts of murder following a mass shooting that left two men dead and several others injured on April 17. Ikner’s first court appearance was conducted on May 13, where he faced a crowded courtroom filled with media and victims of the shooting.
Surveillance footage from the incident shows Ikner chasing victims inside the Student Union just before noon. During the shooting spree, he fatally shot Tiru Chabba, 45, multiple times, including once while Chabba was on the ground. Chabba, who was employed by Aramark, was originally from Greenville, South Carolina. Robert Morales, 57, a dining coordinator at the university, was shot in the back and succumbed to his injuries shortly after. Additionally, Ikner shot five other students who survived, and he also fired shots at two other individuals during the chaos.
Initial reports indicate that Ikner attempted to use a shotgun, which failed to fire. He then retrieved a .45 caliber Glock handgun that was found near him and is believed to belong to his stepmother. Ikner had driven to the campus in a Hummer registered to his father, Christopher Ikner.
Ikner was subsequently shot in the jaw by FSU police while attempting to shoot a fleeing person. According to the investigation, Ikner acted alone and had no known connections to the victims, with the attack being described as “totally random.” There were no prior threats or mental health issues reported regarding Ikner.
Following the shooting, Ikner was indicted by a grand jury on two counts of first-degree murder and seven counts of attempted murder. He was denied bond and is currently being held at the Wakulla County Detention Facility, due to potential conflicts of interest from his family’s connections in law enforcement, as his stepmother is a deputy with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office.
Classes at FSU resumed just four days after the incident, with the university implementing flexible attendance policies to accommodate students. In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Tallahassee Police Department reaffirmed its commitment to justice and community safety, addressing concerns regarding the law enforcement response during the shooting.
Ikner, who transferred to FSU from Tallahassee State College in the spring semester, has a history of vocalizing extremist political beliefs among his classmates. His background includes a troubling childhood, characterized by legal disputes and relocation to Norway in violation of custody agreements.
Authorities have confirmed that the weapon used in the shooting was reportedly a personal weapon that had been a service firearm for his stepmother. The legal process for Ikner is ongoing, as he faces serious charges that could lead to significant legal repercussions. The community continues to grapple with the impact of this tragic event, while the FSU and Tallahassee communities rally around the victims and their families.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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