A tragic event unfolded at a Florida university when the son of a highly-regarded police deputy was arrested following a shooting incident that left two people dead and six others injured.
On April 17, a gunman opened fire at Florida State University, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to at least six more.
The identities of the deceased have not yet been disclosed, but a spokesperson from Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare informed CNN that the injured parties are now in stable condition after receiving medical treatment.
The suspect, identified as FSU student Phoenix Ikner, has been taken into custody, according to multiple reports.
The 20-year-old is believed to be the son of a police deputy and allegedly used one of his mother’s firearms during the attack.
While the motive behind the shooting remains unclear, authorities acknowledged the suspect’s relationship to a deputy during a press briefing.
In a press conference, representatives from the Tallahassee Police Department remarked: “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 highlighted that the alleged shooter was a member of the sheriff’s office’s youth advisory council for an extended period.
“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.”
Describing the situation as ‘tragic’ beyond what many ‘could even fathom,’ the department affirmed its commitment: “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.”
In the aftermath of the incident, as police delve into the suspect’s motives, eyewitnesses have shared their accounts.
Ryan Cedergren, a 21-year-old communications student, recounted to AP News how he and about 30 other students sought refuge in the university’s bowling alley area upon witnessing others fleeing, emphasizing that ‘in that moment’ it was purely about ‘survival’.
Another student, Chris Pento, described the experience to WCTV as “surreal.”
Tallahassee Police Department’s Chief Lawrence Revell expressed 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 sustained injuries at the scene and was hospitalized, where last reports indicated he had ‘serious but non-life-threatening injuries.’
Chief Revell concluded: “[…] 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.”
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