BREAKING NEWS FSU shooter named as Phoenix Ikner, 20, son of sheriff's deputy who used police GUN to unleash terror

The shooter who killed two people and injured several more at FSU on Thursday has been identified as the son of a local sheriffs deputy. 

Phoenix Ikner, 20, was named on Thursday at a press conference after the horror mass shooting at Florida State Universitys Tallahassee campus. 

Officials said his mother is Leon County Sheriffs Deputy Jessica Ikner, and had access to one of her weapons and that was one of the weapons that was found at the scene.

Leon County Sheriff McNeil said at the press conference the gunman was a member of the departments youth set-up and was involved in training programs, and described him as steeped in the Leon County Sheriff’s Office family. 

Authorities said that a total of two people were killed and five were injured, with Ikner also shot during the incident. He is in custody in hospital. 

The shooting unfolded around midday ET Thursday near the campuss student union. 

A witness on the scene told WFTV they saw a college-aged man exit the student union with a handgun, and another witness told the Tallahassee Democrat that theyd heard what sounded like automatic gunfire. 

Social media was flooded with sickening footage and images as panic set in, including one showing a victim being carried to safety on the shoulders of paramedics. 

Cowering students shared videos hiding under desks, as authorities continue to urge anyone in the area to remain away from the area and stay inside. 

The shooter who killed two people and injured several more at FSU on Thursday has been identified as the son of Leon County Sheriffs Deputy Jessica Ikner (right) 

Police sources say the gunman opened fire around midday Thursday, sending the campus into lockdown. Survivors are seen being marched away from the scene with their hands raised 

Footage showed a victim being carried away by paramedics as panic set in across the campus 

Several witnesses shared clips of students fleeing and seeking shelter, with others showing food, picnic blankets and bags that were left on a lawn after students scrambled to safety. 

One student shared chilling footage from inside a classroom where people were cowering in fear under desks. 

A person could be heard bashing on the door multiple times yelling open up, but the terrified students were seen remaining silent and not moving in response. 

As evacuations were carried out, images showed concerned students and faculty trying to call loved ones on campus, and Florida State University said Thursday afternoon that all classes and events were cancelled for the day. 

Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare said it was treating several victims and was fully mobilized and prepared to provide the highest level of care and support to all those affected. 

As the campus remained under lockdown Thursday afternoon, a grey sedan was reportedly found by police with a weapon inside that authorities believe may have been linked to the shooting.

Several firearms including a shotgun and pistol have reportedly been seized by police, and the suspect was arrested with a weapon on them, police said.  

One student shared chilling footage from inside a classroom where people were cowering in fear under desks and remaining silent as a person bashes the door yelling open up 

Images showed concerned students and faculty trying to call loved ones on campus 

Students seen evacuating on Thursday afternoon 

The Tallahassee Fire Department has taken control of the campus, and the Leon County Sheriffs Office said it had deployed a helicopter to survey the area. The FBI said Thursday afternoon it was joining the investigation 

FSU senior Will Schatz told the Tallahassee Democrat he was in the Strozier Library when he saw his fellow students racing from the building. 

I could have sworn I saw a cop running after somebody and screaming something when we ran out, he said. Then when I got out, I heard seven to eight gunshots. Im not sure if that was the shooter shooting or if the cops shot the shooter. 

It is not the first time the FSU Tallahassee campus has been hit with a mass shooting, with an alumnus shooting an employee and two students in the Strozier Library in November 2014. The shooter was killed by officers. 

Officials said on Thursday afternoon that law enforcement was actively clearing rooms on the main campus, and said the process could continue for several hours. 

Shortly before holding a press conference on campus, officials said students would be allowed to return to their residence halls as police had neutralized the threat. 

The Student Union and the surrounding area is still considered an active crime scene, FSU added. Individuals should avoid the area. Students should not return to the Student Union to retrieve personal property at this time. 

The Tallahassee Fire Department has taken control of the campus, and the Leon County Sheriffs Office said it had deployed a helicopter to survey the area. 

Leon County School District buildings, which sit close to the campus, have also been placed on lockdown. 

The FBI said Thursday afternoon it was responding to the scene to aid the investigation. 

First responders were seen carrying a victim into an ambulance, with officials saying at least six people were hospitalized in the shooting 

Footage showed students fleeing in panic moments after shots rang out across the campus 

FSU Tallahassee (seen in a stock image) is located in Floridas state capital and sits on the Sunshine States panhandle, with around 45,000 students 

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said in a statement around two hours after the shooting unfolded that his prayers are with our FSU family. 

President Trump added soon after that he had been fully briefed on the shooting.  

FSU Tallahassee is a public college located in Floridas state capital and sits on the Sunshine States panhandle.

It has around 45,000 students, with movie star Burt Reynolds and The Doors singer Jim Morrison among its famous alumni.