Police investigate the scene of a shooting near the student union at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. AFP
Police investigate the scene of a shooting near the student union at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. AFP
Police investigate the scene of a shooting near the student union at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. AFP
Police investigate the scene of a shooting near the student union at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. AFP

Deputy sheriff's son kills two in shooting at Florida university


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Two men were killed on Friday and six others injured when the son of a sheriff's deputy opened fire at Florida State University.

The reported shooter, believed to be a 20-year-old student and the son of a Leon County sheriff's deputy, used his mother's former service weapon.

He was identified by police as Phoenix Ikner and was shot and wounded by officers at the scene after he refused to comply with commands, Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell said.

Police said they believed the shooter targeted the victims using his mother's former service handgun, which she had kept for personal use after the force upgraded to new weapons.

No motive has been given for the shooting, which began around lunchtime outside the student union on the university campus. Students and parents hid in a bowling alley.

Students hold a vigil near the scene of a shooting near the Florida State University student centre in Tallahassee, Florida. AFP
Students hold a vigil near the scene of a shooting near the Florida State University student centre in Tallahassee, Florida. AFP

This is Florida's sixth shooting in the past year.

A university student who saw the shooter said he was a “normal college dude" who was wearing an orange T-shirt and khaki shorts. "I was walking, and this guy pulls up in an orange Hummer," the student told reporters. "And he gets out with a rifle and shoots in my direction."

The six injured in the shooting are in fair condition, according to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. The hospital said one of those wounded was in a critical condition.

The alleged shooter is among the wounded.

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Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive

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Tony Booth, professor of education

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Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist

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UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

Innotech Profile

Date started: 2013

Founder/CEO: Othman Al Mandhari

Based: Muscat, Oman

Sector: Additive manufacturing, 3D printing technologies

Size: 15 full-time employees

Stage: Seed stage and seeking Series A round of financing 

Investors: Oman Technology Fund from 2017 to 2019, exited through an agreement with a new investor to secure new funding that it under negotiation right now. 

Updated: April 18, 2025, 5:08 AM`