Trending Topics

Sheriff: Florida State University shooter identified as deputy’s son, used former agency weapon

The 20-year-old gunman, shot by police, had been active in the Leon County Sheriff’s Office youth programs and carried a handgun and shotgun

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.

A tragedy involving a law enforcement family member demands precise, trauma-informed messaging to preserve trust and prioritize those most impacted
Trending
Drone video shows Bernalillo County deputies confronting the armed children after at least 50 previous calls to the same home, the sheriff said
The Dodge Durangos, intended to blend in with traffic but still “clearly communicate enforcement once engaged,” are being rolled out in response to “video game-style” driving
Memorial Day has a specific purpose, and maintaining that purpose is important
NYPD
Members of Diablos de la 42, an offshoot of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang, used scooters and bottles to attack officers trying to stop a robbery, Mayor Eric Adams said

Sarah Roebuck is the news editor for Police1, Corrections1, FireRescue1 and EMS1, leading daily news coverage. With nearly a decade of digital journalism experience, she has been recognized for her expertise in digital media, including being sourced in Broadcast News in the Digital Age.

A graduate of Central Michigan University with a broadcast and cinematic arts degree, Roebuck joined Lexipol in April 2023. Have a news tip? Email her at news@lexipol.com or connect on LinkedIn.