News Summary
The trial of Phoenix Ikner, a Florida State University student accused of a campus mass shooting, has been postponed to March 2026. Facing multiple serious charges, including first-degree murder, Ikner’s defense has changed due to a conflict of interest with his public defender. The incident left two dead and six injured, prompting prosecutors to seek the death penalty. Meanwhile, the campus community continues to deal with the repercussions of violence, as another shooting involving an FSU player raises concerns about safety.
Tallahassee, FL – The trial of Phoenix Ikner, a 21-year-old Florida State University (FSU) student accused of a campus mass shooting, has been delayed until March 30, 2026. Ikner faces serious charges, including two counts of first-degree murder and seven counts of attempted first-degree murder, stemming from an incident on campus in April that left two people dead and six others injured.
Initial Scheduling and Judge’s Order
The trial was originally scheduled to begin the week of November 3, 2025. However, 2nd Judicial Circuit Judge Lance Neff ordered the postponement after it was discovered that there was a conflict of interest involving Ikner’s court-appointed public defender. Given these circumstances, new attorneys have been appointed to represent Ikner, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.
Shooting Incident Details
The tragic shooting incident took place on the FSU campus, where Ikner reportedly used his stepmother’s former service weapon. The April attack resulted in the loss of two lives and left six individuals injured, triggering widespread concern on campus and within the community. Prosecutors have announced their intention to seek the death penalty for Ikner should he be convicted of the charges.
Separate Shooting Case Involving FSU Player
Pritchard remains in critical but stable condition at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. In a tragic turn of events, it was reported that he was mistakenly identified during the shooting. Following the incident, a GoFundMe page was created to assist Pritchard and his family amidst the medical expenses, successfully raising nearly $130,000 to date.
Community Impact and Responses
The shooting incidents at Florida State University have shaken the student body and the surrounding community. With the trial for the campus shooting now postponed to 2026, there is considerable time until the legal proceedings will conclude. The outcomes of these cases are expected to have lasting implications for campus safety and security, as well as ongoing discussions about violence in educational institutions.
With Ikner’s trial delayed, the community remains on high alert, looking ahead to a period of uncertainty regarding justice for the families affected by these violent acts. The overarching desire for safety and healing within the FSU community continues to resonate among students, faculty, and staff as they navigate the aftermath of these incidents.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Donna Adelson’s Murder Trial Begins Amid Family Feuds
Tragic Shooting on University Campus Claims Lives
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Florida Governor Signs Death Warrant for Curtis Windom
FSU Student Faces Trial for Deadly Campus Shooting
Additional Resources
- ESPN: 4 Arrests Made in Connection with Shooting of FSU Player
- ABC News: Trial Date for Suspect in Florida State Mass Shooting Postponed
- Click Orlando: 3 Arrests Made in Connection with Shooting of FSU Linebacker
- Google Search: Florida State University shooting
- WESH: Suspects Arrested in FSU Football Player Shooting
- Wikipedia: Florida State University
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.
