On Thursday, a horrifying shooting unfolded at Florida State University (FSU), resulting in the deaths of two individuals and leaving six others injured.
Aramark Collegiate Hospitality regional vice president Tiru Chabba and FSU dining coordinator Robert Morales were tragically killed during a senseless attack on the Tallahassee campus.
The shooter, 20-year-old FSU student Phoenix Ikner, went on a violent rampage, injuring multiple people before he was shot and arrested by police.
The Victims and Their Legacies
Tiru Chabba, 45, was visiting FSU from his home in Simpsonville, South Carolina.
Chabba, who had worked for Aramark for over 25 years, was at the university for meetings with staff and university officials when the attack occurred.
Those who knew him expressed their shock and sadness, with FSU restaurant manager Anthony Cicatello recalling his colleague as a great person and a valuable member of the team.
Morales, who had worked at FSU for over nine years, was also mourned by his family and colleagues.
His older brother, Ricardo, shared a heartfelt tribute, remembering him as a loving family man and dedicated worker.
Aramark, his employer, issued a statement expressing deep sorrow, stating, “We are heartbroken to confirm that an Aramark employee was among those killed at FSU yesterday in that senseless act of violence.”
The Shooter’s Rampage
Phoenix Ikner, the gunman, was able to access a firearm belonging to his mother, a sheriff’s deputy in Leon County.
Armed with this weapon, Ikner went on a shooting spree, targeting individuals on the university campus.
The gunfire forced a lockdown, with students and faculty scrambling for safety as the police quickly responded to the scene.
Witnesses described the chaotic scene as shots rang out near the student union.
One witness, Wayne, described the terrifying moment: “Everyone just started running out of the student union… About a minute later, we heard about eight to 10 gunshots.”
The violence left the community in shock, as the campus transformed from a place of learning to one of fear and uncertainty.
The Investigation and Motive
Ikner was taken into custody after being shot by officers at the scene.
Investigations have revealed that he held extremist views, with former classmates revealing his espousal of white supremacist and far-right ideologies.
One student who had previously been involved with Ikner in a political discussion group explained that Ikner was expelled due to his extreme beliefs, including promoting white supremacist rhetoric.
The gunman’s connection to the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, where his mother works, has added a layer of complexity to the investigation.
Sheriff McNeil confirmed that Ikner had access to his mother’s weapon, a private handgun that had been used in law enforcement training programs.
The Aftermath and Community Response
In the aftermath of the attack, the Tallahassee community has been left grappling with the shock of the violence.
Six others were injured, with some expected to recover soon.
The victims’ families are in mourning, while the FSU community, along with Aramark colleagues, struggle to come to terms with the devastating loss.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to piece together the details of the attack and its motives, hoping to provide closure for the victims’ families and prevent further tragedies.
The tragedy at FSU is a somber reminder of the dangers that can erupt in what should be a safe place for learning and growth.