Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old student, made his first court appearance after being charged in the April 17 mass shooting on the main campus of Florida State University (FSU) that left two people dead and seven injured. The event has sent shockwaves through the university community and throughout the state.
Ikner, who used a handgun owned by his mother, former Leon County Deputy Sheriff Jessica Ikner, faces two counts of first-degree murder and seven counts of attempted murder. The fatalities were identified as Tiru Chabba, 45, and Robert Morales, 57, both university employees. The young man appeared virtually from a local jail, where he remains in custody after being wounded by police during the standoff. Authorities said he was shot in the face and his jaw was disfigured, which is why he was hospitalized until early May.
Impact on campus safety
Buzzy
The shooting took place around noon in one of the administrative buildings at Florida State University(FSU).
This forced a total shutdown of the campus for more than three hours.
The university, with a student population of more than 40,000, activated all of its emergency protocols while SWAT teams secured the area.
At his initial appearance, the judge denied Ikner’s request for bail, further prohibiting him from having any contact with witnesses, victims or victims’ families.
If found guilty, the defendant could face the death penalty.
Official reactions
This case has generated national controversy.
Particularly since the gun used in the Florida State University shooting belonged to a female law enforcement officer.
If found guilty, the defendant could face the death penalty
QueOnnda.com
Jessica Ikner was relocated within the county Sheriff’s Department after it was learned that her gun was used in the crime.
Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell assured that “transparency and fairness will be a priority in this process.”
For his part, President Donald Trump called the incident “a tragedy” but ruled out changes to gun control laws, drawing criticism from pro-reform groups.
For more information, visit QueOnnda.com.
