15 Minutes Ago, Deputy Chief Jessica Ikner, mother of the FSU shooting suspect, spoke out to confirm that her son was not just…”

In a heart-wrenching statement delivered just 30 minutes ago, Deputy Chief Jessica Ikner of the Tallahassee Police Department addressed the public for the first time since the devastating shooting at Florida State University (FSU) earlier today.

With visible emotion, Ikner confirmed that her son, 22-year-old Michael Ikner, was the suspect involved in the tragic incident that left three students injured and sent shockwaves through the university community.

“I stand before you not only as a law enforcement officer but as a mother whose heart is broken,” Ikner said, her voice trembling during the brief press conference outside the Tallahassee Police Department headquarters.

“I can confirm that my son, Michael, was involved in the events at FSU today. I am devastated by this tragedy, and my thoughts are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected by this senseless act.”

The shooting occurred at approximately 10:45 AM in the student union building on FSU’s campus. According to preliminary reports from the FSU Police Department, Michael Ikner entered the building armed with a semi-automatic handgun and opened fire in a crowded common area.

Three students were injured, two with non-life-threatening wounds and one in critical condition, as reported by Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare.

The suspect fled the scene but was apprehended within an hour in a nearby off-campus apartment complex following a manhunt involving multiple law enforcement agencies.

Details about Michael Ikner’s motives remain unclear, and authorities have not yet released an official statement on what may have prompted the attack.

However, sources close to the investigation, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that the suspect had been struggling with mental health issues in recent months. FSU officials confirmed that Michael was a junior majoring in political science but had not been enrolled in classes this semester.

Deputy Chief Ikner, a 25-year veteran of the Tallahassee Police Department, has been a respected figure in the community, known for her advocacy of community policing and youth outreach programs.

Her statement today was brief but deeply personal, as she grappled with the dual roles of a grieving mother and a public servant.

“As a mother, I am searching for answers just like everyone else,” she continued. “I ask for privacy for my family as we process this unimaginable pain. I also ask that the community come together to support the victims and their families, who are enduring so much right now.”

The FSU campus remains on lockdown as authorities continue their investigation, and classes have been canceled through the weekend.

FSU President Dr. Maria Gonzalez issued a statement expressing condolences and announcing that counseling services would be available to students, faculty, and staff.

“This is a dark day for our Seminole family,” Gonzalez said. “We are committed to supporting our community and ensuring the safety of our campus moving forward.”

The incident has reignited discussions about gun violence and mental health resources on college campuses across the country.

Trending posts on X reflect a mix of grief, anger, and calls for action, with many users expressing sympathy for the victims and others questioning how such tragedies can be prevented.

Some posts also noted the emotional weight of Deputy Chief Ikner’s position, caught between her professional duty and personal loss, though these remain unverified sentiments from the public.

Local and federal authorities, including the FBI, are assisting in the investigation, with a focus on tracing the origins of the suspect’s firearm and reviewing his recent activities.

Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey addressed the community in a separate statement, urging unity and resilience. “We will get through this together, but today we mourn,” Dailey said.

As the investigation unfolds, the Tallahassee community and the broader FSU family are left to grapple with the aftermath of this tragedy.

Deputy Chief Ikner concluded her statement with a plea for compassion: “Please pray for the victims, for our city, and for my son. We all need healing now.”

Further updates are expected as authorities release more information about the incident and the suspect’s background.

For now, the focus remains on supporting the victims and their families while a shaken community begins the long process of recovery.