On April 17, 2025, a seemingly ordinary day at Florida State University transformed into a tragic event when a gunman opened fire near the student union. The attack resulted in the deaths of two men and injuries to six others before law enforcement apprehended the suspect. The deceased were identified as Robert Morales from Miami-Dade County and Tiru Chabba from Greenville, South Carolina, both of whom were fathers with strong ties to the university and their local communities.
Robert Morales, an alumnus of Florida State, dedicated nearly ten years to serving as the university’s dining coordinator. He was more than just an employee; he fostered a sense of belonging for students who were away from home. A native of South Florida, he infused his passion for Cuban cuisine into the culinary landscape of Tallahassee. As a co-founder of Gordos Cuban Cuisine and CEO of the Black Bean Food Group, Morales was celebrated for his creativity and kindness. He often went above and beyond, such as when he collaborated with chefs to develop allergen-free meals for a student with specific dietary needs. On that Thursday, he had plans to have lunch with his lifelong friend Carlos Cruz and Cruz’s son, who ultimately chose to remain in his dorm that day. Cruz later reflected on Morales’s vibrant spirit and enthusiasm, describing him as a key contributor to the success of Gordos. Celebrity chef Art Smith, who had worked alongside him, characterized Morales as a person brimming with joy. His older brother, Ricardo, confirmed the tragic news on social media, sharing childhood memories. A GoFundMe campaign has since garnered over $60,000 to support his widow, Betty, and their daughter.
Tiru Chabba, the second victim, was 45 years old and served as a regional vice president at Aramark Collegiate Hospitality. With over 20 years of experience at the company, he was on campus in a professional capacity at the time of the shooting. As a father of two, Chabba’s untimely death has created a significant void in his family. Aramark released a statement expressing their shock and sorrow over the incident. His family has engaged legal counsel and is pursuing accountability for this tragic loss.
During a vigil held on campus that Friday, Vice President Kyle Clark paid tribute to both individuals, emphasizing that they were more than just names; they were cherished members of a tight-knit community whose absence would be profoundly felt.
The shooter was later identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, a student and the son of a deputy with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities revealed that he had a history of involvement in law enforcement initiatives, including the Youth Advisory Council. Sheriff Walter McNeil confirmed that Ikner had access to firearms and stated that the handgun used in the shooting was previously issued to his mother, Deputy Jessica Ikner, who had legally acquired it for personal use.
The incident occurred shortly after noon. Ikner was also found in possession of a shotgun, although police indicated that it did not appear to have been discharged. Officers responded swiftly, apprehending Ikner and transporting him to the hospital, where he remains in serious but non-life-threatening condition.
In total, six individuals sustained injuries—five from gunfire and one while attempting to escape. Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare reported on the conditions of those hospitalized, indicating that one is in critical condition while five others are in serious condition.
Eyewitness McKenzie Heeter recounted a harrowing experience. She had just left the student union when she noticed an orange Hummer parked nearby, with a man standing next to it holding a large firearm. She observed him draw a handgun and fire towards the building, witnessing a woman in purple scrubs being hit in the back. Heeter fled nearly a mile to her home, shaken and breathless, recalling, “He looked calm, expressionless, with a scowl.”
The campus swiftly entered lockdown as law enforcement secured the vicinity. Video footage captured the ensuing chaos, with abandoned backpacks, meals, and laptops strewn across the lawn. Emergency responders hurried to assist, with some scenes showing officers placing someone in handcuffs inside an ambulance.
A particular video ignited a significant uproar on social media. It depicted an individual casually sipping Starbucks while recording the scene of an injured person nearby. The footage faced intense criticism online, with many labeling it as insensitive and dehumanizing. Some viewers also questioned the video’s authenticity and its connection to the actual shooting, attempting to mitigate the outrage.
The investigation into the motives behind the shooting is ongoing. In the meantime, the Florida State University community is in mourning and working towards recovery.
Just two days prior, another shooting incident occurred at a high school in Dallas. On April 15, four individuals were injured at Wilmer-Hutchins High School. Authorities reported that the shooter, 17-year-old Tracy Denard Haynes Jr., opened fire inside the school after being admitted through an unsecured door by a fellow student. He subsequently surrendered at the Lew Sterrett Justice Center and is now facing four counts of aggravated assault under Texas’s mass shooting laws.
Officials confirmed that Haynes used a firearm to intentionally or recklessly inflict serious injury or death. Surveillance footage allegedly captures him shooting at a student from close range. The Dallas Fire Department indicated that three of the injured were teenagers aged between 15 and 18. Fortunately, all victims survived, although one suffered severe leg injuries.
The school, which accommodates nearly 900 students, was equipped with metal detectors. However, the suspect managed to bypass standard entry protocols by being allowed in through a side door. Dallas Independent School District officials clarified that this incident did not represent a failure of their security system but rather a breach of it. Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde subsequently canceled classes for the week and assured families that mental health professionals would be available for support.
Student witnesses recounted the harrowing experience — the sound of gunfire, the frantic search for cover, and the grim realization that yet again, a place of education had transformed into a scene of violence.
In the aftermath of both shootings, there are increasing calls for enhanced safety measures and a deeper examination of how firearms are able to enter schools and campuses.
