Phoenix Ikner’s Mom Warned Parents About Not Disciplining Kids
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The mother of 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, who is suspected of carrying out a deadly shooting at Florida State University on Thursday, once warned about the consequences of not disciplining children.
That’s according to a photo reviewed by Newsweek, which was posted to what appears to have been Leon County Deputy Sheriff Jessica Ikner’s Facebook page.
Why It Matters
Law enforcement officials identified Phoenix Ikner as the suspect in Thursday’s shooting at FSU, which left at least two people dead and five injured. Officials said Ikner’s mother, Jessica, has served in the Leon County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) for 18 years.
Newsweek reached out to Jessica Ikner via LCSO for comment on Thursday.
Law enforcement officers gather after a shooting at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Fla., Thursday, April 17, 2025. Law enforcement officers gather after a shooting at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Fla., Thursday, April 17, 2025. Gary McCullough/AP
What To Know
The photo reviewed by Newsweek was posted in 2022 by a Facebook account belonging to “Jessica Ikner.”
It showed a young child facing the wall with their head bowed. Overlaying the image was the caption: “5 minutes in the corner is better than 5 years in prison. Discipline them now so the system doesn’t have to later.”
According to what Newsweek believes was Ikner’s Facebook page, the photo was posted on December 13, 2022.
“I may make some people mad with this post but I truly believe this,” the user, Jessica Ikner, wrote alongside the photo. “And working inside the school system makes me believe it more.”
“For those I offend … freedom of speech,” the user added, concluding with an emoji of a microphone.
A photo posted on Facebook by user “Jessica Ikner.” The account has since been taken down. A photo posted on Facebook by user “Jessica Ikner.” The account has since been taken down. Screenshot/Facebook
Four months earlier, in August 2022, the “Jessica Ikner” account posted another photo of a man wearing a baseball hat and sunglasses who lying down in the grass with his arms folded behind his head. His face was not visible.
The caption on the photo said: “Happy 18th birthday Phoenix!!! Dad and I love you[.]”
A photo posted to Facebook by user “Jessica Ikner.” The Facebook page has since been taken down. A photo posted to Facebook by user “Jessica Ikner.” The Facebook page has since been taken down. Screenshot/Facebook
As of Thursday evening, the Facebook page has been deleted.
FSU alerted people on campus about the shooting around noon ET on Thursday.
“An active shooter has been reported in the area of Student Union,” the alert said. “Police are on scene or on the way. Continue to seek shelter and await further instructions. Lock and stay away from all doors and windows and be prepared to take additional protective measures.”
At 3:18 p.m., FSU stated that law enforcement officials had “neutralized the threat” but advised people to avoid the Student Union and several other buildings, as they were still considered an active crime scene.
Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare said earlier Thursday that it was treating six patients, one of whom was in critical condition. The rest are “in serious condition,” TMH said. Law enforcement officials said that Phoenix Ikner is one of the people who was hospitalized.
What People Are Saying
Leon County Sheriff Walter A. McNeil said at a news conference Thursday: “Our deputy, Deputy Ikner, has been with the Leon County sheriff’s office for over 18 years…her service to this community has been exceptional.
He added: “Unfortunately, her son had access to one of her weapons and that was one of the weapons that was found at the scene.”
President Donald Trump reacted to the shooting during an Oval Office meeting on Thursday: “It’s a horrible thing. It’s horrible that things like this take place.”
Trump added that he had been “fully briefed” on the situation and would have more to say later.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis wrote on X as the situation was unfolding: “Our prayers are with our FSU family and state law enforcement is actively responding.”
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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