FSU Shooting Suspect Identified as Phoenix Ikner, Formerly Known as Christian Gunnar Eriksen Before 2020 Name Change
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — Authorities have identified the suspect in the April 17, 2025, Florida State University (FSU) shooting as Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old student at the university. The incident left two individuals dead and six others injured in a tragedy that has shocked the FSU campus and surrounding community.
Shocking Revelation: Suspect’s Identity and Past
In the aftermath of the shooting, officials confirmed that Phoenix Ikner was previously known by a different name: Christian Gunnar Eriksen. According to public records, Ikner legally changed his name in 2020, around the time he moved to Florida and enrolled in local academic institutions.
More details have since emerged about Ikner’s personal life. He is the stepson of longtime Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy Jessica Ikner, who has served in the department for 18 years. Investigators believe the firearm used in the shooting—a handgun once issued to Deputy Ikner—was taken from her personal possession, raising serious questions about firearm access and security within law enforcement families.
Details of the Tragic Event
The shooting occurred just after 12:00 p.m. near the FSU Student Union, a central hub for student life. Witnesses described the moment gunfire broke out, sending dozens fleeing from the area in terror. According to the Tallahassee Police Department, Ikner arrived on campus armed with multiple weapons, including a semi-automatic handgun and a shotgun.
After allegedly opening fire on a group of students near an outdoor gathering area, law enforcement officers responded quickly to reports of an active shooter. Officers confronted Ikner and ordered him to drop his weapon. When he did not comply, they shot and wounded him, leading to his capture.
He was taken to a local hospital, where he remains under police custody and medical supervision. Authorities say his injuries are non-life-threatening.
Victims and Community Response
The names of the two deceased victims have not been officially released, pending notification of next of kin. Among the injured, several remain hospitalized in critical condition. Florida State University President Richard McCullough issued a heartfelt statement:
“This is an unthinkable tragedy. We mourn for the lives lost and those impacted by this senseless act of violence. We are doing everything we can to support our students, staff, and faculty during this time.”
Classes at FSU were canceled through the rest of the week, and counseling services have been made available across campus. A vigil is planned for Friday evening to honor those who lost their lives and to bring the community together in healing.
Suspect’s Background and Legal History
While Ikner had no previous criminal record, sources close to the investigation say he had been struggling with mental health issues in recent years. He was once involved in a youth advisory program associated with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, which makes his connection to law enforcement even more unsettling.
Investigators are now working to determine whether Ikner’s name change in 2020 was tied to an effort to distance himself from a troubled past. So far, no formal motive has been released, but authorities confirmed that writings found in his residence referenced feelings of isolation, disillusionment, and a desire to “make a statement.”
Calls for Accountability and Review
Lawmakers and community leaders are calling for a full review of how the suspect gained access to his stepmother’s firearm and whether existing safeguards were sufficient.
State Representative Angela Morrison commented:
“This tragedy is a stark reminder of the need for stronger measures to secure firearms, especially in homes where vulnerable individuals may have access. We owe it to the victims and their families to ask the hard questions.”
Governor Ron DeSantis issued a statement expressing sympathy for the victims’ families and pledging state support for the investigation. Federal agencies, including the FBI and ATF, are assisting in tracing the origin of the weapons and reviewing potential federal charges.
Ongoing Investigation
As of now, Phoenix Ikner has not yet been formally charged but is expected to face multiple counts of murder, attempted murder, and illegal possession of a firearm. Prosecutors have indicated they may pursue the case as a capital offense, meaning Ikner could face the death penalty if convicted.
Investigators are continuing to interview witnesses and review video surveillance from the FSU campus. The shooting has reignited national conversations around campus safety, mental health, and gun control.
This story will be updated as new information becomes available. Our thoughts remain with the victims, their families, and the entire FSU community during this heartbreaking time.