Phoenix Ikner, the suspect in the Florida State University shooting, was the stepson of a sheriff’s deputy and a Trump supporter with white supremacist views. He had a troubled childhood, including mental and physical health issues and a custody battle. Ikner used a handgun that belonged to his stepmother in the shooting but also had a shotgun. His motive remains unknown. A registered Republican, Ikner had access to firearms through his stepmother who was a former law enforcement officer.
Witnesses described Ikner as a normal college student who drove an orange Hummer to campus and opened fire near the student union. He was a member of a political discussion group at Tallahassee State College where he expressed white supremacist and far-right views, leading to him being asked not to return. His troubling views and comments were also noted in a national government class where he made hateful remarks about minorities and denied the legitimacy of the 2020 election.
Ikner’s mother, Anne-Mari Eriksen, was involved in a custody battle and faced legal consequences for taking him to Norway in violation of their agreement. The boy had developmental delays and special needs that his father, Christopher Ikner, was concerned would not be addressed in Norway. After legal action, Eriksen returned with Ikner to the U.S., where she faced sentencing for taking him out of the country unlawfully.
The shooting at FSU left two dead and several wounded. Law enforcement officials emphasized the seriousness of prosecuting the suspect and ensuring this type of violence is not tolerated. Students and classmates expressed shock and confusion over Ikner’s actions, describing him as a seemingly ordinary student with disturbing beliefs and behaviors.
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