News Summary
A grand jury has indicted 20-year-old Florida State University student Phoenix Ikner on multiple murder charges connected to a mass shooting on campus. The tragic incident resulted in two fatalities and six injuries, shocking the university community. Ikner, now in custody, allegedly used a shotgun and a stolen handgun during the attack. His arraignment is scheduled for June 11, as the FSU community grapples with the aftermath of this horrifying event, raising questions about his motivations and the impact on campus safety.
Tallahassee, Florida — A grand jury has indicted 20-year-old Florida State University (FSU) student Phoenix Ikner on multiple murder charges following a mass shooting on campus that resulted in two deaths and six injuries. The shooting, which occurred on April 17, has been described by jurors as “our community’s worst nightmare.” The indictment was made public on Wednesday, detailing the allegations against Ikner and the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
Ikner was present in court for the first time since the shooting, which took place near the Student Union shortly before noon. He has been taken into custody without bond and has been ordered to have no contact with the victims and their families. Due to his familial ties—Ikner is the stepson of a local sheriff’s deputy—he has been transferred to a jail in Wakulla County, in accordance with standard protocol.
Investigators concluded that Ikner acted alone during the attack, which he carried out using a shotgun and a stolen .45 caliber handgun that belonged to his stepmother. The grand jury’s findings reveal that a malfunctioning shotgun helped mitigate the severity of the shooting. Within minutes of the incident, FSU Police Officer Cody Poppell confronted Ikner and shot him in the face while he was aiming at another potential victim. This swift response from law enforcement likely prevented additional casualties, and Officer Poppell’s actions have been characterized as both lawful and heroic.
The victims of the mass shooting were described as random targets, selected without any identifiable traits aside from their innocence. The first victim, Tiru Chabba, was shot multiple times, including as he lay on the ground. He later succumbed to his injuries. Another victim, Robert Morales, was shot while walking through the food court. Of the six others injured, all survived their wounds, although the chaos of the event led to initial misconceptions regarding multiple shooters, which were ultimately deemed false.
The grand jury also found no previous history of mental health issues or disciplinary actions against Ikner from his time in school, including both Tallahassee Community College and FSU. This information raises questions about the motivations behind Ikner’s actions. Some sources indicate that he has been linked to extremist ideas and conspiracy theories, occasionally espousing racist beliefs and producing content that promotes such ideologies.
Surveillance footage from the scene captured Ikner as he targeted victims at the Student Union. Authorities have stated that law enforcement found live shotgun rounds at the site of the shooting, indicating the potential for even greater destruction had the shooting not been curtailed so quickly.
This mass shooting has sent shockwaves through the FSU community, disrupting the campus environment and instilling fear among students and faculty. The horror of the incident combined with its unexpected nature has transformed the day of the shooting into a painful memory for those who experienced it and for the entire university community.
With Ikner’s arraignment scheduled for June 11, the coming weeks are likely to bring further developments as the community grapples with this tragic event and its aftermath.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
FSU Shooting Incident Leaves Two Dead, Suspect Charged
Concerns Rise Over Gun Violence Following Recent Shootings
FSU Proposes Takeover of Tallahassee Memorial Hospital
Florida Bill Proposes Changes to High School Graduation Requirements
Florida Universities Honor Graduates Amid Tragedy
Florida Universities Prepare for Graduation Ceremonies Amid Tragedy
FSU Class of 2025 to Graduate Amid Tragedy
Tragedy Strikes Florida State University with Mass Shooting
Tragic Shooting at Florida State University Claims Lives
Tragedy at Florida State University: Community Struggles After Campus Shooting
Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: FSU Shooting Details Emerge
- Wikipedia: Florida State University
- NBC News: Phoenix Ikner FSU Shooting Court Appearance
- Google Search: FSU shooting
- Tallahassee.com: FSU Shooting Grand Jury Findings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mass Shooting
- CNN: FSU Shooting Suspect Charged
- Google News: Phoenix Ikner
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
