Son Of Deputy Sheriff Kills Two And Injures Six In Mass Shooting At Florida State University

Marking the sixth tragic case of mass shooting in Florida this year, a 20-year-old student, and notably the son of a local sheriff’s deputy, killed two and injured six others in an open fire at Florida State University in Tallahassee. The incident happened on Thursday, April 17, around early afternoon hours. The alleged gunman, identified as Phoenix Ikner, is a student at the university and began shooting near the student union building.

The two deceased male were not students at FSU, as shared by campus police. The suspect was shot by police when he failed to comply with their commands and was then taken to the hospital. Notably, he is the son of veteran Leon County police officer Jessica Ikner, shared by Sheriff Walt McNeil. The motive for the killing has yet to be discovered.

Reports say that Phoenix used his mother’s former service weapon, a handgun, in the attack. He is also said to be a “longstanding member” of the sheriff’s office youth advisory council and had been engaged in training programs. The student newspaper reported that the suspect was a protester at a campus demonstration against President Donald Trump’s inauguration in January. A shotgun was also recovered at the crime scene.

The university authorities and students went into panic as the shooting started during the midday period. The university issued alerts, and police quickly responded with evacuation and a campus lockdown. “Police are on scene or on the way. Lock and stay away from all doors and windows,” read the university’s initial message.

U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the shooting. “It’s a horrible thing. It’s horrible that things like this take place,” he said, according to Reuters. As a result of the Florida shooting, FSU canceled classes for the rest of the week and also canceled home athletic events through Sunday.