New info is rising concerning the Florida State College taking pictures suspect, Phoenix Ikner, who’s accused of killing two individuals and injuring six others on campus Thursday afternoon.
Beforehand reported by BOSSIP, Ikner allegedly opened hearth contained in the college’s pupil heart, leaving two useless. Police shot and wounded Ikner after noncompliance. He stays hospitalized and is predicted to face first-degree homicide prices as soon as launched.
Was there a motive?
Classmates Elevate Alarm About Ikner’s Racist, Far-Proper Beliefs
In response to the New York Put up, former classmates from Ikner’s time at Tallahassee State School recalled troubling habits, describing him as selling racist and far-right views.
Witnesses say Ikner claimed Rosa Parks was “within the flawed,” blamed Black communities for declining property values, and defended the usage of Nazi symbols throughout political discussions.
Within the New York Put up, one former classmate, Reid Seybold, states:
“Principally our solely rule was no Nazis — colloquially talking — and he espoused a lot white supremacist rhetoric, and far-right rhetoric as nicely, to the purpose the place we needed to train that rule.”
One other pupil, Lucas Luzietti, mentioned Ikner’s feedback had been so alarming that he believed “this man shouldn’t have entry to firearms,” in line with USA Right now.
Deep Ties to Legislation Enforcement Revealed
As reported by CNN, Ikner’s stepmother, Deputy Jessica Ikner, has served with the Leon County Sheriff’s Workplace for over 18 years. Ikner himself was a member of the sheriff’s Youth Advisory Council and had accomplished a number of coaching applications designed to introduce teenagers to legislation enforcement.
Authorities confirmed that one of many weapons recovered from the scene—a .45 caliber handgun—was previously issued to his stepmother. A shotgun and AR-15-style rifle had been additionally discovered within the car Ikner drove to campus, suggesting a possible for additional violence had he not been stopped.
Troubled Childhood and Psychological Well being Considerations Floor
Court docket data reviewed by CNN reveal that Ikner, born Christian Eriksen, modified his identify to Phoenix at age 15 after a traumatic custody dispute that concerned his organic mom illegally eradicating him from the US to Norway.
He was finally returned to Florida, and his father was granted sole custody. Ikner reportedly had not seen his organic mom in practically a decade on the time of the taking pictures.
Legislation enforcement sources additionally advised CNN that Ikner had been prescribed medicine for emotional dysregulation however had allegedly stopped taking his drugs previous to the assault. Authorities are persevering with to research whether or not his psychological well being could have performed a task within the taking pictures.
No Identified Motive, Investigation Ongoing
At the moment, police haven’t publicly recognized a motive. Investigators are reviewing whether or not Ikner’s previous criticisms of activist teams, together with Black Lives Matter and pro-Palestinian actions, may very well be related.
FSU officers canceled all courses and occasions via the weekend following the tragedy.
Ikner stays in custody beneath hospital supervision and is predicted to be formally charged as soon as medically cleared.
