Phoenix Ikner’s Grandmother Speaks Out After FSU Shooting
Susan Eriksen, the grandmother of Phoenix Ikner, who is accused of carrying out a tragic mass shooting at Florida State University (FSU) on April 17, has come forward with some strong words about her grandson’s upbringing and the influences of his parents.
In an interview, the 79-year-old grandmother expressed concerns over how Phoenix’s father and stepmother impacted his life. “They taught him how to hunt and they are bigoted people; they hated a lot of people,” she stated.
Phoenix, a 20-year-old student, faces serious charges for allegedly killing two people and injuring six others during the horrific episode on campus in Tallahassee.
Susan described Phoenix as a "sweet kid" who was smart, but expressed deep disappointment in her family. She referred to his parents as “rotten bastard people,” indicating that they were not good role models for him.
The incident took place around 11:50 a.m., and authorities reported that Phoenix had access to a handgun owned by his stepmother, who is a deputy with the Leon County Sheriff’s Department. “Unfortunately, her son had access to one of her weapons,” commented Sheriff Walter McNeil.
After the shooting, officers were able to subdue Phoenix at the scene, and he was taken to a hospital for treatment of significant but non-life-threatening injuries.
Among the victims were Robert Morales and Tiru Chabba, both associated with the food service company Aramark at FSU.
Several students who interacted with Phoenix have revealed troubling signs in his behavior, describing him as holding extremist views, including white supremacist ideology. Reid Seybold, who had encountered Phoenix in political discussions, noted that these views made others uncomfortable enough to leave the group.
As the investigation continues, the specific motives behind this tragic event remain unclear.
