The assistant mother-in-law of the suspected Florida State shooting, Phoenix Echner “chosen to take personal leave” to “handle this tragic situation,” the Leon County Sheriff’s Office told Fox News Digital on Friday.
According to Shondanite, executive director of community and media relations, the 20-year-old Ikner is the son-in-law of Leon County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jessica Ikner and has done “a tremendous job” at her agency over the past 18 years.
“This is a tough time for the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, our entire community, and of course, the victims and their families,” Knight told Fox News Digital. “She chose to take a personal leave as it relates to Deputy Eekner. And she, of course, as a result, we have no return date at this point. She clearly takes the time to handle this tragic situation.”
Two people were killed and six injured in a shooting that unfolded Thursday on Florida State University’s campus. Hospital officials announced Friday afternoon that the victim suffered gunshot wounds in areas such as the chest and abdomen and would need to undergo surgery, including facial surgery. However, they are stable and are expected to provide full recovery.
The FSU shooting suspect’s childhood was a custody fight, allegedly tempted by his family overseas, according to documents.
Phoenix Echner, 20, fired fire at Florida State University in Tallahassee on Thursday, police said. (Phoenix Ikner/Instagram)
On Thursday, Leon County Sheriff Walter McNeill said Phoenix Echner had “accessed” one of his stepmother’s weapons, “it was one of the weapons found at the scene.”
“Phoenix Echner’s official involvement with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office was as a member of the Youth Advisory Committee, a council of youths from across the Leon County community,” Knight told Fox News Digital. “It was the level of official involvement with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office that allows youth in our community to express concern about crime prevention and safety and our initiatives, and that we will be in an open dialogue with youth in our community.”
“As the son of a law enforcement member, his family exposed him safely as it relates to using firearms,” Knight said.
In the video, an FSU student hiding under a desk while filming shows “I’m scared”
Leon County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jessica Ichner won the Law Enforcement Award this month in March 2024. (Leon County Sheriff’s Office)
In March 2024, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office recognized Ichner’s Deputy Office as a law enforcement employee for the month. Knight said, “We worked in a variety of units, including our unified patrol, our enforcement officer unit, school resources and more.”
Knight also told Fox News Digital that the sheriff’s office is helping out a criminal investigation into the shooting led by the Tallahassee Police Department.
“Our thoughts and prayers lie in all of the victims of this horrifying incident. Of course, we are members of the law enforcement community, and we are grateful to all of our law enforcement partners who have practiced for days like yesterday and have always prayed that they don’t really need to finish it,” she said.
Dozens of patrol vehicles, including forensic vans, are shown to be stationed outside the Florida State University Student Union building after the shootings Thursday. (AP/Kate Payne)
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“But our law enforcement members responded quickly and that saved lives,” Knight added. “So we are grateful to all of our partners who have participated in ensuring the safety of our community, and we all seek continuous thoughts and prayers as we handle yesterday’s events.”
