Editor’s note: Read Police1 columnist Dan Marcou’s analysis of the tactical takeaways from the police response to this tragic incident.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A gunman who opened fire at Florida State University, killing two and injuring several others, has been identified as the son of a Leon County sheriff’s deputy.
The shooter opened fire on April 17 around the university’s student union building. Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell said the shooter, 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, was a student at the university. The two individuals killed were not students. Five people are currently being treated at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. Ikner is also receiving medical attention after being shot by police.
Revell said that when law enforcement encountered the shooter, he did not comply with commands, prompting officers to shoot him.
Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil confirmed Ikner is the son of a deputy who has served with the agency for more than 18 years. He described the deputy, who is a school resource officer, as someone who has “done a great service to the community.”
One of the deputy’s previously issued service weapons was recovered at the scene. Sheriff McNeil said investigators are working to determine how her weapon was used during the incident. The sheriff added that Ikner had been an active member of the sheriff’s office youth advisory council and participated in multiple training programs.
“This event is tragic in more ways than you people in the audience could ever phantom from a law enforcement perspective,” McNeil said.
McNeil emphasized the agency’s commitment to a full investigation.
“We will make sure we do everything we can to prosecute, and make sure that we send a message to folks that this will not be tolerated here in Leon County, and I dare say across this state, and across this nation.”
Chief Revell clarified that the weapon tied to the deputy was no longer in active use and had been replaced with a newer service handgun. Ikner was found with both a shotgun and a handgun. The investigation is ongoing to determine how each weapon was used in the attack.
The Tallahassee Police Department is leading the investigation.
