Featured Image Credit: Instagram
Topics: Crime, Florida, Gun Crime, True crime, US News, Mental Health
Poppy Bilderbeck
Topics: Crime, Florida, Gun Crime, True crime, US News, Mental Health
The son of an 'exceptional' police deputy has been taken into custody following a shooting at a Florida university killing two and injuring six.
Yesterday (April 17), a person with a gun opened fire at Florida State University, killing two and injuring at least six others.
The names of those killed have yet to be publicly released, however, a Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare spokesperson told CNN that the six injured are now in fair condition after receiving care.
A FSU student named Phoenix Ikner is accused of the shooting and has been placed in custody, according to various reports.
Advert
The 20-year-old is reported as being the son of a police officer and having used one of his mom's weapons during the shooting.
Authorities have not yet ascertained a motive for the shooting, however, they addressed the suspect being the son of one of their deputies during a press conference.
During a press conference, Tallahassee Police Department stated: "Our Deputy, Deputy Ikner, has been with the lieutenant sheriff's office for over 18 years, she has a tremendous job that she's done, her service to this community has been exceptional.
"Unfortunately, her son had access to one of her weapons and that was one of the weapons found at the scene and we are continuing our investigation into how that weapon was used. and what other weapons, perhaps, he may've had access to."
The department also noted the alleged shooter was also 'a long-standing member of the sheriff’s office’s youth advisory council'.
"So he has been steeped in the Leon county sheriff's office family, engaged in a number of training programs that we have," the spokesperson continued. "So it's not a surprise to us that he had access to weapons."
Reflecting the event is 'tragic' in 'more ways than' many 'could even fathom,' the department resolved: "We will make sure we do everything we can to make sure we prosecute and make sure that we send a message to folks that this will not be tolerated here in Leon county and I daresay, across the state and across this nation."
While police continue their investigation into the incident and the motive of the suspect, eyewitnesses have since come forward.
A 21-year-old communications student named Ryan Cedergren told AP News that he and around 30 other students hid in the bowling alley area of the university after seeing others fleeing, noting 'in that moment' it was simply about 'survival'.
Fellow student Chris Pento told WCTV: "It was surreal."
Tallahassee Police Department's Chief Lawrence Revell said in a statement: "Our hearts are with the victims, families, students, and larger Florida State University community in the wake of this tragedy. What occurred today was a heinous and despicable act of violence."
The suspect was injured at the scene and taken to hospital, as of last night reported as having 'serious but non-life-threatening injuries,' he added.
He resolved: "[...] As of this evening, the crime scenes have been processed. TPD continues to express sincere gratitude to every agency that responded to assist. This remains an open and active investigation, and TPD is committed to bringing justice to the victims in this case."
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].