Florida State University shooting: Victims revealed

Two individuals have been confirmed as victims of the tragic mass shooting at Florida State University on Thursday, April 17. Robert Morales, a dining coordinator at FSU, and Tiru Chabba, a regional vice president with Aramark Collegiate Hospitality, lost their lives in the incident.

Ricardo Morales Jr. shared a heartfelt tribute to his younger brother Robert on X, describing him as a devoted husband, father, and passionate worker at FSU. Morales was also a founder of Gordos Cuban Cuisine in Tallahassee and a beloved assistant football coach at Leon High School. The school expressed deep sorrow over his passing, emphasizing his dedication to mentoring young athletes.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support Morales’ surviving family.

Tiru Chabba, a 45-year-old father of two from Greenville, S.C., was identified as the second victim. Represented by civil rights attorney Bakari Sellers, Chabba’s family is mourning his loss while seeking justice. Aramark Collegiate Hospitality confirmed the death of one of its employees, extending condolences to Chabba’s family and the Aramark community.

Florida State University Shooting

The shooting unfolded at FSU’s student union building around noon, injuring six others. The suspect, 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, was identified as the son of a Leon County sheriff’s deputy. Sheriff Walter McNeil revealed that the weapon used belonged to Ikner’s mother, a deputy with 18 years of service. Ikner was hospitalized after being shot by police during the incident.

FSU issued a lockdown alert amid the shooting, which was lifted later in the afternoon. The university plans to hold a vigil to honor the victims.

The community continues to grieve and seek answers while remembering the lives lost and supporting those affected by this tragedy.

Image: Junior Goosby/Facebook