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​​​Florida State University Shooting: What We Know About Suspect Phoenix Ikner​

April 18, 2025 by
Fronkblogger

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Florida State University Shooting: What We Know About Suspect Phoenix Ikner

On April 17, 2025, a tragic shooting unfolded at Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee. The incident resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to six others. The suspect, identified as 20-year-old FSU student Phoenix Ikner, was apprehended and is currently hospitalized.

Incident Overview

  • Date & Time: April 17, 2025, around 11:50 a.m. EDT
  • Location: FSU Student Union building
  • Casualties: 2 fatalities (non-students), 6 injuries
  • Suspect: Phoenix Ikner, 20, FSU student

Witnesses reported chaos as gunfire erupted near the Student Union. Students barricaded themselves in classrooms, some using chewing gum to cover windows in the absence of tape. citeturn0news28

Suspect Profile: Phoenix Ikner

  • Background: Born Christian Gunnar Eriksen in 2004; later changed name to Phoenix Ikner
  • Citizenship: Dual American-Norwegian
  • Family: Son of a Leon County sheriff’s deputy
  • Education: Transferred from Tallahassee State College to FSU
  • Affiliations: Former member of the sheriff’s Youth Advisory Council

Ikner had a tumultuous upbringing, including a custody battle that led to his biological mother taking him to Norway without permission in 2015. He was diagnosed with ADHD and a growth hormone disorder during his youth. citeturn0search58

Weapons and Motive

Authorities recovered three firearms: a handgun, a shotgun, and another unidentified weapon. One of the firearms was a former service weapon of Ikner's mother. The motive remains under investigation, though reports indicate Ikner had expressed extremist views in the past. citeturn0news29

Community Response

FSU canceled classes through April 18 and organized a vigil to honor the victims. Students and faculty are grappling with the trauma, with some survivors having previously experienced similar incidents, such as the 2018 Parkland shooting. citeturn0news28

Ongoing Investigation

The FBI is leading the investigation and has requested public assistance, including the submission of any relevant media. Authorities continue to examine Ikner's background and potential motives. citeturn0news31

This incident underscores the persistent issue of gun violence on college campuses and the importance of addressing underlying factors contributing to such tragedies.


Note: This article is intended for informational purposes and aims to provide a factual account of the events surrounding the FSU shooting.