FSU shooting: Will the suspected gunman's mother face charges?
Share and Follow


(NewsNation) — The gunman accused of killing two and injuring six at Florida State University allegedly used his mother’s former service weapon — she’s a sheriff’s deputy — but legal experts say it’s too early to know if she will face charges.

“I think it’s going to depend on what the mother knew, how much she knew, whether or not she knew he was dangerous, where exactly that weapon was left,” former Judge Elizabeth Scherer, who presided over the Parkland High School shooting trial in 2022, told Nexstar’s NewsNation on Thursday.

Police identified the shooter as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, the son of Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy Jessica Ikner.

“Unfortunately, her son had access to one of her weapons, and that was one of the weapons that was found at the scene,” Sheriff Walter McNeil of Leon County said during a press conference.

Though not common, parents of school shooters have been charged in the past, most notably Jennifer and James Crumbley, whose 15-year-old son killed four students and injured seven others at a Michigan high school in 2021.

Scherer said the fact that Ikner was an adult could make this case different as far as the parents’ potential liability.

“As a parent, you’re responsible for your child, and you have a bigger responsibility to take part and protect the community from your child’s behavior,” Scherer said.

Legal analyst Misty Marris agreed with that point.

“Certainly could be a legal issue for the mother, but the thing is you have an adult,” Marris told NewsNation. “We’d be having a way different conversation if you had someone who was 15 or 16 years old.”

Police are still in the early stages of the investigation and have not said how Ikner acquired the weapon.

Investigators say Ikner opened fire around lunchtime at the school’s student union, killing two men and wounding at least six others.

Officers quickly arrived and shot and wounded the shooter after he refused to comply with commands, said Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell.

Authorities have not yet revealed a motive for the shooting.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Groundbreaking UFO Conference Set to Reveal Fresh Encounter Evidence

In a much-anticipated event, James Fox, a filmmaker known for his investigative…

Russia Strikes Ukraine’s Power Grid Amid Ongoing US-Led Peace Negotiations

KYIV – In a relentless overnight assault, Russia unleashed a barrage of…

Breaking: Massive Law Enforcement Presence Shakes Lee Road, Orange County – What You Need to Know

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – On Monday night, a significant police presence was…

Trump’s Greenland Ambitions and Nobel Snub: Real-Time Updates as Global Tensions Escalate

European nations are strongly opposing former President Donald Trump’s aggressive approach to…

Universal Orlando Unveils Thrilling New Roller Coaster: Experience the Ultimate High-Octane Adventure!

ORLANDO, Fla. (WFLA) — Universal Studios Florida is gearing up to unleash…

Effingham’s Pride: Meet the New Miss Illinois County Fair Queen 2023!

In Sangamon County, Illinois, an Effingham County native has taken the crown…

SSU Women’s Team Faces Seventh Consecutive Defeat, While Men’s Team Triumphs Over Allen

SAVANNAH, Ga. — On January 19, Savannah State University faced off against…

Iran’s Struggling Economy Faces New Blow as Internet Shutdown Compounds Currency Crisis

DUBAI – For nearly two weeks, Iranians have been grappling with the…