Crime
Maine Mall shooting suspect identified as 20-year-old Ahmed Basheer Awad
SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — Authorities have identified the suspect in the Maine Mall shooting that occurred on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. The South Portland Police Department (SPPD) announced that they are actively searching for Ahmed Basheer Awad, a 20-year-old resident of Westbrook.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Elevated Aggravated Assault, a Class A felony, with additional charges anticipated as the investigation progresses.
The shooting took place at approximately 4 p.m. in the food court area of the Maine Mall. Witnesses reported hearing two gunshots coming from the bathroom within the food court. The commotion led to panic and chaos, with mall patrons—including families with young children— fleeing for safety.
Following the shooting, surveillance footage captured the suspect, Ahmed Basheer Awad, leaving the mall through the food court entrance.
SPPD has confirmed that one person was shot and later underwent surgery. The victim is expected to survive. Police officials have reassured the public that there is no ongoing threat; however, they urge anyone who sees the suspect to immediately contact law enforcement.
Authorities are continuing their investigation and reviewing surveillance footage from the mall to gather additional evidence.
Police urge anyone with information regarding Ahmed Basheer Awad’s whereabouts or details related to the shooting to contact:
- Detective Lieutenant Christopher Todd at 207-799-5511 Ext. 7448 (christo@southportland.gov)
- Detective Jeff Levesque at 207-799-5511 Ext. 7435 (jeffle@southportland.gov)
- Anonymous tips can be submitted at 207-347-4100
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are committed to ensuring public safety and bringing the suspect into custody. Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Authorities have identified the suspect in Thursday’s deadly shooting at Florida State University (FSU) as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, the son of longtime Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy Jessica Ikner.
During an afternoon press conference, FSU Police Chief Jason Trumbower confirmed that Phoenix Ikner was responsible for opening fire near the university’s Student Union Building, killing two individuals and injuring six others.
The incident unfolded around 11:50 a.m. on April 17, when the gunman began shooting on the university’s main campus in Tallahassee.
“FSU police responded immediately, engaged, neutralized, and apprehended the shooter,” Trumbower said. Ikner, believed to be an FSU student, was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital following the incident.
Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell detailed the law enforcement response, stating that officers confronted Ikner and opened fire when he failed to comply with commands.
He was subsequently subdued and taken for medical treatment.
Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil confirmed that the suspect is the son of Deputy Jessica Ikner, a veteran of the department with over 18 years of service.
“She has performed her duties with distinction,” McNeil stated, expressing support for Deputy Ikner during what he described as a devastating moment for her and the department.
Investigators revealed that the weapon used in the shooting was a handgun previously issued to Deputy Ikner before she transitioned to a new service weapon.
It was reportedly her personal firearm. Authorities also found a shotgun in Ikner’s possession at the scene, though it remains unclear whether it was discharged during the attack.
“We are continuing to investigate the role each weapon may have played and whether the suspect had access to additional firearms,” McNeil said.
Chief Revell added that Phoenix Ikner had been a “long-standing member” of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office Youth Advisory Council and had participated in several law enforcement-related programs over the years.
“It’s not surprising to us that he had some level of access to firearms given his history within the agency’s youth programs,” Revell stated.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear. Authorities noted that Ikner has so far refused to cooperate with investigators or provide any explanation for his actions.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is assisting in the investigation and has requested that anyone who witnessed the shooting or has relevant information or media uploads related to the incident submit tips through their official website at www.fbi.gov/fsushooting.
FSU remains under heightened security as law enforcement continues to process the scene and gather evidence.