A devastating incident occurred at Florida State University (FSU) when a gunman opened fire, claiming the lives of two individuals and leaving several others injured.
The victims were Tiru Chabba, a regional vice president at Aramark Collegiate Hospitality, and Robert Morales, the FSU dining coordinator.
The Gunman’s Rampage
Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old FSU student, went on a violent rampage across the campus, injuring six others before being shot and arrested by police.
The attack took place on Thursday, sending shockwaves through the university community.
Victims Remembered
Tiru Chabba, 45, lived in Simpsonville, South Carolina, and had been with Aramark for over 25 years.
He was in town for meetings with FSU staff and university officials when the tragedy unfolded.
Chabba, who had risen to a high-level position within the company, was well-regarded by his colleagues.
His loss was deeply felt across social media, with many expressing their shock and grief.
FSU restaurant manager Anthony Cicatello shared his heartbreak, recounting how a group of middle school students, who were visiting the campus, had been caught in the chaos as the shooting unfolded.
“I can only imagine what those little kids were going through as they were underneath the chairs and tables in my dining hall fearing for their lives,” Cicatello wrote.
Robert Morales, the FSU dining coordinator, had worked at the university for over nine years.
His older brother, Ricardo, expressed his sorrow, describing the loss of his sibling as a blow to their family.
“He loved his job at FSU and his beautiful wife and daughter,” Ricardo said.
“I’m glad you were in my life.”
Aramark’s Heartfelt Response
Aramark, the company employing both Chabba and Morales, issued a statement expressing their devastation over the attack.
“We are heartbroken to confirm that an Aramark employee was among those killed at FSU yesterday in that senseless act of violence,” the company said.
“We are absolutely shaken by the news, and our deepest sympathies are with the family and our entire Aramark community.”
The Aftermath: Injuries and Campus Lockdown
In addition to the two fatalities, six others were wounded during the attack.
Two of the victims are expected to be discharged from the hospital soon, while three others are said to be recovering.
One victim remains in fair condition.
As the gunshots rang out near the student union, the campus was immediately locked down.
Students were ordered to shelter in place while first responders arrived at the scene.
The Gunman’s Identity and Background
Phoenix Ikner, the gunman, is the son of Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy Jessica Ikner.
He used his mother’s handgun in the shooting.
Ikner, who had ties to the Sheriff’s Office, was part of a youth training program.
The gun used in the attack was his mother’s private weapon, which deputies are allowed to purchase for personal use.
A Chaotic Scene Unfolds
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as the shooting began.
Wayne, a student at the university, recalled hearing gunshots and seeing a man who appeared to be shot in the midsection.
“The whole entire thing was just surreal,” Wayne said.
“I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Everything was really quiet, then all chaotic.”
Disturbing Beliefs and Rhetoric
After the shooting, former classmates of Ikner revealed disturbing details about his beliefs.
According to Reid Seybold, a student who had once been part of a political group with Ikner, he had expressed white supremacist views and far-right rhetoric.
“He espoused so much white supremacist rhetoric and far-right rhetoric,” Seybold said.
“I had to kick him out of the group due to his beliefs.”
A Community in Shock
As authorities continue to investigate the tragic event, the community is left grappling with the senseless loss of life.
The shooting has left many asking how such violence could happen on a college campus, and what steps can be taken to prevent further tragedies.