News Summary
Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old Florida State University student, is set to face trial for a mass shooting on campus that left two dead and several injured. Prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty as the university grapples with heightened concerns over campus safety and mental health support. The FSU community is still recovering from the shock of the traumatic event and is engaged in conversations about gun law reforms in the wake of this tragedy.
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – A Florida State University (FSU) student, Phoenix Ikner, aged 20, is set to stand trial in November 2025 for a mass shooting that took place on campus in April 2025, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuring six others. The trial is scheduled to begin with jury selection during the week of November 3. Ikner faces two counts of first-degree murder and seven counts of attempted first-degree murder.
The prosecution has announced plans to seek the death penalty in light of the severity of the case. Ikner allegedly used his stepmother’s former service weapon during the attack. His attorney, Peter Mills, has expressed concerns regarding the trial timetable, highlighting the extensive need for further investigation, particularly involving video surveillance footage and witness statements. Second Judicial Circuit Judge Lance Neff has acknowledged these concerns, indicating he will consider requests from the defense for additional time to prepare.
The tragic incident on April 17, 2025, left FSU community members grappling with the shock and loss. Among the deceased were Robert Morales, a member of the FSU staff, and Tiru Chabba, a 45-year-old father visiting from South Carolina who was a victim of the gunfire. In the aftermath, the university community united in grief, participating in vigils to honor the victims and provide mutual support. A candlelight vigil on campus drew thousands, underscoring the collective mourning and need for healing.
In response to the shooting, discussions around gun law reforms have intensified, as this incident marked the sixth mass shooting in Florida in 2025. With heightened concerns over campus safety, many have called for stronger measures to combat gun violence and enhance mental health support for students. FSU President Richard McCullough has expressed the university’s commitment to honoring the memory of the victims while ensuring that students can learn in a secure environment.
Students and faculty members returned to campus amidst a mix of grief and anxiety following the tragic event. Many have shared their fears regarding safety on campus, furthering conversations about the need for enhanced security measures and support systems aimed at addressing mental health issues within the student body.
Background information reveals that Ikner underwent significant challenges throughout his childhood, with records indicating a turbulent upbringing marked by custody battles and a legal name change from Christian Eriksen to Phoenix Ikner, which reflected a desire to rise above his past difficulties. His mother, a local sheriff’s deputy, has reportedly taken personal leave since the shooting, and her service firearm was the weapon used in the incident.
Investigators are still in the process of determining the motive behind Ikner’s actions, as there appears to be no known connection between him and the victims. The shooting has not only caused heartache and loss but has also sparked critical conversations about personal safety, campus security, and gun violence within educational institutions.
As the trial approaches, the FSU community continues to seek healing and understanding from this tragic event while standing united in remembrance of those lost.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: FSU Mass Shooting Victims Released
- Wikipedia: Mass Shooting
- MyNews13: Officials Deputy’s Son in Custody
- Google Search: FSU Mass Shooting 2025
- CBS News: Florida State University Active Shooter
- Google Scholar: Florida State University Shooting
- NBC News: FSU Shooting – What to Know
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida State University
- AP News: Florida State Shooting – What to Know
- Google News: Florida State University Shooting
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.
