Crime
Greensboro Officer Michael Horan killed in line of duty at Food Lion on Lawndale Drive
The suspect responsible for the shooting has been apprehended, and authorities have confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The Greensboro Police Department has confirmed the tragic death of Officer Michael Horan, who was killed in the line of duty Monday morning while responding to a report of an armed individual at the Food Lion located on Lawndale Drive.
The incident unfolded around 11 a.m. when Officer Horan, along with other officers, responded to the call.
During the encounter, Officer Horan was fatally shot.
The suspect responsible for the shooting has been apprehended, and authorities have confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Officer Horan joined the Greensboro Police Department in September 2017 and became a sworn officer in early 2018. He was described by the department as a dedicated officer, a loving husband, father, son, and friend.
The Greensboro Police Department has requested that the community keep Officer Horan’s family, friends, and colleagues in their thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is now leading the investigation into the incident. Additional details will be released as the investigation progresses.
Statement from Food Lion
A spokesperson for Food Lion expressed the company’s deep sadness regarding the tragedy, saying:
“Food Lion is deeply saddened by the tragedy that occurred at our store located at 4709 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro. We express our deepest condolences to the officer’s family and friends. As this is an active investigation, we are directing all questions to local law enforcement. Food Lion is cooperating with authorities, and the store will remain closed while the police investigation continues. We are providing resources to support our associates during this difficult time.”
Governor’s Statement
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper also addressed the incident, stating:
“I am in contact with local and state law enforcement regarding the shooting involving a Greensboro Police Officer. We have sent significant state law enforcement personnel who are helping with the response.”
The Greensboro community is mourning the loss of Officer Horan, who served with dedication and commitment to the safety of the city. Flags at municipal buildings have been lowered in honor of his sacrifice.
This remains a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Crime
FSU Shooting Suspect Phoenix Ikner Previously Known as Christian Gunnar Eriksen Before 2020 Name Change
Newly surfaced court records provide insight into the early life of Phoenix Ikner, the 20-year-old accused in the mass shooting at Florida State University.
Ikner, who was formerly known as Christian Gunnar Eriksen, legally changed his name in 2020, according to law enforcement sources.
For clarity, he will be referred to as Phoenix Ikner throughout this report.
Leon County Sheriff Walter McNeil had previously identified Ikner as the son of longtime sheriff’s deputy Jessica Ikner.
However, court documents clarify that Jessica Ikner is his stepmother. His biological mother is identified as Anne-Mari Eriksen.
Records describe a complex and often volatile family situation.
In 2015, Anne-Mari Eriksen was arrested and charged with kidnapping after violating a custody agreement and taking then-10-year-old Ikner to Norway without his father’s consent.
According to an arrest affidavit, Eriksen had told Ikner’s father that she was taking the child to South Florida, but instead fled the country.
The affidavit highlights that Ikner, who at the time had developmental delays and special needs, required consistent medical care, including medication for a growth hormone disorder and ADHD.
His father told authorities he feared those needs were not being met during Ikner’s time abroad.
The documents state that Eriksen failed to keep Ikner in school for scheduled evaluations, missed medical appointments, and neglected to administer prescribed medications while in Norway.
Eriksen was arrested upon her return to the United States on July 27, 2015, at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
She was booked into the Leon County Jail and later entered a no contest plea. On July 14, 2016, she was sentenced to 200 days in jail (with credit for 170 days served), followed by two years of community control and two additional years of probation.
Additional court records reveal that Eriksen later filed an unsuccessful civil lawsuit against Ikner’s father, stepmother Jessica Ikner, and two other relatives.
Ikner himself—then still legally named Christian Gunnar Eriksen—was also listed as a defendant at the age of 11.
In the lawsuit, Eriksen alleged that her son had suffered psychological and emotional abuse amid contentious family court proceedings.
She accused Jessica Ikner of writing “unwanted” letters and placing them in her son’s backpack, and also claimed she had struck the child.
Eriksen sought $80,000 in damages, stating that the amount would be deposited into her son’s college fund.
The case was dismissed seven months later by the judge, who issued the dismissal sua sponte, meaning on the court’s own accord and not at the request of either party.
This information comes in the aftermath of the deadly shooting on FSU’s campus.
Two men, both unaffiliated with the university, were killed and five others injured during the incident.
Ikner was identified as the shooter and was taken into custody after being shot by responding officers.
He remains hospitalized. Authorities have confirmed that the campus is now secure, though the crime scene remains active.
Florida State University has canceled all classes and events through Friday as the investigation continues.