Phoenix Ikner, the 20-year-old accused of carrying out a deadly mass shooting on the Florida State University campus last month, was denied bond on Tuesday during his first court appearance since being discharged from the hospital, as reported by Fox News.
Ikner faces two counts of first-degree murder and seven counts of attempted first-degree murder after allegedly opening fire on April 17, killing two individuals and injuring six others.
MUGSHOT RELEASED Florida authorities have released the mugshot of 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, the accused gunman in the deadly Florida State University shooting, as he awaits his first appearance in court. https://t.co/NiUrfGl11J pic.twitter.com/dHdLGy4gkr
— 10 Tampa Bay (@10TampaBay) May 12, 2025
Trump’s Sovereign Wealth Fund: What Could It Mean For Your Money?
His appearance in Leon County Circuit Court came one day after he was released from the hospital, where he had undergone multiple surgeries for a gunshot wound to the jaw sustained during the incident. Officers shot Ikner in the face while responding to the attack.
Circuit Judge Monique Richardson ruled Ikner indigent and appointed Randall Harper as his public defender. The court also granted the state’s request to hold Ikner without bond and to prohibit any contact between him and the victims’ families or potential witnesses.
The Leon County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Ikner had been booked into the Wakulla County Detention Facility following his release from medical care.
This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year
Authorities noted the transfer was standard procedure, as Ikner’s stepmother is employed as a deputy with the Leon County Sheriff’s Department. Officials cited conflict-of-interest concerns as the reason for relocating him to Wakulla County.
“This is standard policy,” said Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell. “In any case, especially one of this magnitude, the Tallahassee Police Department has the highest commitment to justice, transparency and the safety of our community.
We are grateful for the work of our detectives, officers, medical personnel and partner agencies who helped bring us to this point.”

The incident has drawn renewed focus on Ikner’s background. According to court documents, in 2015, Ikner was abducted by his biological mother in violation of a custody agreement and taken to Norway. He was 11 years old at the time.
Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the April 17 shooting. Investigators are continuing to examine Ikner’s history and digital records for further insight.
Ikner is expected to remain in custody as the case proceeds. His next court appearance has not yet been scheduled.
Connect with Vetted Off-Duty Cops to Instantly Fulfill Your Security Needs
The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.
Read the full article here