In a tragic turn of events, Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old Florida State University student, has been accused of a shooting that left two dead and at least five others injured. Once a promising honors student seeking a fresh start, Ikner had legally changed his name in 2020 from Christian Gunnar Eriksen, aiming to shed the weight of a tumultuous childhood marked by a custody battle and challenges in family life.
Despite early signs of maturity, as noted by the magistrate during his name change petition, classmates reveal a darker side. Ikner reportedly espoused extreme political views, joking about mass violence, and expressing discontent towards minorities. His family history reveals significant turmoil, including allegations of parental alienation and a turbulent relationship between his parents.
On Thursday, after recently transferring to FSU as a political science major, Ikner opened fire on campus, exhibiting behaviors of instability prior to the incident. He had access to a handgun belonging to his stepmother, a sheriff’s deputy. The shooting, which lasted less than five minutes, sent students into panic, with authorities quickly responding.
As investigations continue, the motives behind this violent act remain unclear, leaving many in the community, including fellow students, seeking answers and understanding of this shocking transformation from a hopeful student to an alleged perpetrator of tragedy.
