FSU Shooting: Suspect Charged With Murder, Motive Probed

Phoenix Ikner, 20, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and seven counts of attempted murder following an April 17 mass shooting at Florida State University that killed employees Robert Morales and Tiru Chabba and injured at least six others. Ikner, the stepson of a Leon County sheriff's deputy, reportedly used his stepmother’s former service weapon and was shot by police after refusing commands before being hospitalized and later transferred to the Wakulla County Detention Facility. Authorities have not identified a motive, but some reports note Ikner had a history of physical and mental health issues and harbored far-right views. He was a political science student at FSU and a former member of the sheriff’s office Youth Advisory Council. The Tallahassee Police Department plans to release the probable cause affidavit after Ikner's initial court appearance and has stressed its commitment to justice and transparency. The shooting has led to campus protests and renewed calls for legislative action on gun violence.