Two individuals lost their lives and six others were wounded in a shooting incident at Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee, Florida, on Thursday, April 17. The shooting started at approximately 11:50 a.m. near the student union on campus, leading to a lockdown across the university.
The victims were identified as Robert Morales and Tiru Chabba.
Robert Morales, aged 57, was a dining coordinator at FSU and a co-founder of Gordos Cuban Cuisine, a popular local restaurant. He was also a former assistant football coach at Leon High School. Morales was known for his dedication to his work and his community. He was the son of Ricardo “Monkey” Morales, a former CIA operative involved in anti-Castro operations.
Tiru Chabba, aged 45, was a regional vice president at Aramark Collegiate Hospitality. He was on campus for work-related duties when the shooting occurred. Chabba was a married father of two from Greenville, South Carolina. His family is being represented by attorney Bakari Sellers, who has spoken about the profound impact of this loss on Chabba’s loved ones.
Both individuals were not students at FSU but were integral members of the university community through their professional roles. Their deaths have deeply affected colleagues, friends, and family members.
Authorities identified the suspect as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, a student at FSU, during a press conference on Thursday afternoon. Ikner was hospitalized after being subdued by law enforcement. Police confirmed Ikner is the stepson of Jessica Ikner, a Leon County Sheriff’s deputy with over 18 years of service.
Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil acknowledged Deputy Ikner’s notable contributions to the community but stated her stepson accessed one of her firearms, which was found at the scene.
Officials reported that neither of the deceased individuals was an FSU student. The six injured were transported to Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, with at least one person in critical condition.
“There is no further threat to our community at this point,” Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell said.
Students gathered Thursday evening for a vigil honoring the victims. Many left flower bouquets, candles, and heart-shaped balloons at the scene, while others knelt in remembrance as the investigation proceeded behind police tape.
FSU student William Schatz was in the library preparing for a presentation when the shooting happened. Schatz noted that upon seeing people running, he followed suit and praised first responders for quickly controlling the situation.
FSU student Cole Summers was at Panera in the student union when he overheard a group of girls mention a gun, followed by the sound of shots. Summers then fled, hearing more shots from the entrance as he escaped.
Sophomore Ben Veytsman had just left an appointment on campus when he heard the gunfire. Veytsman was near the Thagard Building when someone ran by, warning of a shooting. He took refuge in a staff lounge before being escorted to safety.
Veytsman mentioned that the incident felt surreal, likening it to a school shooter drill rather than a real emergency.
Sources familiar with Ikner revealed he previously attended a political discourse club at Tallahassee State College before transferring to FSU. Ikner was known for expressing extreme far-right and white supremacist views, making other members uncomfortable, which led to his removal from the group.
Ikner, a Trump supporter, was reportedly quoted in an FSU student newspaper article about anti-Trump protests in January, before President Trump’s inauguration. Authorities continue to investigate Ikner’s background and potential motives, noting he chose not to speak with investigators.
The FBI swiftly sent agents from its nearby Tallahassee field office to the scene. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Tampa office also confirmed its involvement in the investigation.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed his support on social media, writing, “Our prayers are with our FSU family and state law enforcement is actively responding.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that the FBI was on the scene and in communication with agents on the ground.
FSU canceled all classes through Friday and suspended athletic events in Tallahassee for the weekend. FSU President Richard McCullough called the shooting a “tragic and senseless act of violence” in a statement.
The FSU Tallahassee campus covers 1,200 acres with 403 buildings. The university serves more than 44,300 students and employs over 16,000 people, according to the school’s website.