On April 17, 2025, a typically serene 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 innovative spirit and warmth. He often went above and beyond, such as when he collaborated with chefs to develop allergen-free meals for a student with dietary needs. On that Thursday, he had plans for 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 energy and enthusiasm, describing him as a key contributor to Gordos’ success. Celebrity chef Art Smith, who had worked alongside him, characterized Morales as a joyful individual. 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.
The second victim, Tiru Chabba, was 45 years old and served as a regional vice president at Aramark Collegiate Hospitality. With over 20 years of service to the company, he was on campus in a professional capacity at the time of the shooting. 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 on campus that Friday, Vice President Kyle Clark paid tribute to both individuals, describing them as cherished members of a tight-knit community whose absence will 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 long-standing connection with law enforcement initiatives, including participation in the Youth Advisory Council. Sheriff Walter McNeil confirmed that Ikner had access to firearms and stated that the handgun used in the incident was previously issued to his mother, Deputy Jessica Ikner, who had legally acquired it for personal use.
The school, which serves nearly 900 students, was equipped with metal detectors. However, the suspect managed to bypass standard entry procedures by being admitted through a side door. Officials from Dallas ISD 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.
In the aftermath of both shootings, there is a growing demand for enhanced safety measures and a deeper examination of how firearms are brought into schools and campuses. Parents, staff, and students are urging districts and communities to reject the normalization of such tragedies and instead advocate for meaningful change.
