News Summary
Prosecutors in Florida are pursuing the death penalty against Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old FSU student charged with a mass shooting that claimed two lives and injured several others. Eyewitnesses report he chased victims while shooting. Ikner faces multiple charges including two counts of first-degree murder. He has a history of mental health issues and extremist beliefs. The incident has deeply impacted the FSU community, which is still recovering from the tragedy.
Florida
Prosecutors in Florida have announced intentions to seek the death penalty against 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, a student at Florida State University (FSU), who is accused of a mass shooting on April 17, 2025. The incident left two individuals dead and several others injured, marking a tragic day for the FSU community.
The shooting occurred close to the Student Union at FSU, resulting in the deaths of Robert Morales, aged 57, and Tiru Chabba, aged 45. Additionally, six other people sustained injuries during the attack, which unfolded in a matter of minutes. Evidence presented in court suggests that Ikner opened fire using two stolen weapons: a .45 caliber Glock pistol and a 12-gauge shotgun that failed to operate as intended.
Ikner faces multiple charges, including two counts of first-degree murder and seven counts of attempted murder. Despite his attorneys entering a plea of not guilty, Ikner has waived his right to a speedy trial. Following the shooting, a judge denied him bail and ordered him not to communicate with any victims or witnesses involved in the case.
Incident Details
Eyewitnesses reported seeing Ikner chase his victims while firing at them multiple times. The shooting spree lasted approximately three minutes before law enforcement arrived to intervene. Responding officers confronted Ikner, resulting in him being shot in the face as he failed to comply with their orders. Following this, he required multiple surgeries during his hospital stay before being placed in custody.
Investigation Findings
Investigators have uncovered concerning evidence regarding Ikner’s extremist political beliefs, which reportedly unsettled his classmates. These beliefs, along with a documented history of mental health issues—such as treatment for a growth hormone disorder and ADHD—raise questions regarding his motives during the attack. Prior to transferring to FSU, Ikner was a student at Tallahassee State College, where he was studying political science.
Notably, Ikner’s stepmother serves as a deputy with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. As a result, for conflict of interest reasons, he has been transferred to the Wakulla County Jail where he awaits further legal proceedings. A grand jury investigation concluded that Ikner acted alone and revealed no prior warnings or red flags signaling his intent to commit violence.
Impact on the Community
The aftermath of the shooting has significantly affected the university and its students. Classes resumed just four days later, with attendance mandates temporarily waived to accommodate those impacted by the tragedy. The FSU community continues to process the events, mourning the loss of life while rallying to support those injured in the attack.
Next Steps in Legal Proceedings
Ikner’s case is still ongoing, with an arraignment hearing set for June 11. As this situation develops, the legal system will address the implications of the shootings and the nature of the charges against Ikner, all while the affected community seeks to heal from this grievous incident.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Fox 13 News
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- NBC News
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- Wikipedia: Florida State University
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida State University
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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval 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 the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
