A horrific shooting unfolded on the campus of Florida State University (FSU) when a gunman opened fire, claiming the lives of two victims and leaving six others injured.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, shocked both the university and the wider community, as it involved a Florida State University dining manager and his boss, who were both in town for meetings.
Victims Identified: Tiru Chabba and Robert Morales
The victims have been identified as Tiru Chabba, the regional vice president for Aramark Collegiate Hospitality, and Robert Morales, the FSU dining coordinator.
Chabba, aged 45, was visiting FSU from his home in Simpsonville, South Carolina, for a meeting with staff when the gunman, 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, began his rampage.
Chabba was a long-time employee at Aramark, having worked for the company for over 25 years, and was mourned by colleagues who described him as a kind and dedicated leader.
Morales, who had worked at FSU for over nine years, was also remembered fondly by his peers.
Prominent chef Art Smith and Gordos Cuban Cuisine owner Eddie Agramonte were among those who paid tribute to the two men.
The Attack Unfolds: Chaos on Campus
The attack began when Phoenix Ikner opened fire, injuring six others, before he was shot and arrested by police.
The shooting took place near the student union, with witnesses recalling chaotic scenes as students fled for safety.
A witness described how everyone began running after hearing gunshots, and the silence that followed was soon shattered by the sound of more shots.
Police responded quickly, locking down the campus and ordering students to shelter in place as the situation unfolded.
The Gunman: A Troubling Background
Ikner, the gunman, was identified as the son of Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy Jessica Ikner.
Authorities confirmed that he had used his mother’s gun during the shooting, which was a private handgun she had used for law enforcement purposes.
Witnesses also revealed that Ikner had previously espoused white supremacist and far-right views, which led to his removal from a political roundtable group at FSU.
His connection to law enforcement and his troubling beliefs have sparked further concern about the motive behind the attack.
The Community Mourns and Responds
The FSU and Tallahassee communities have been left in shock and mourning following the tragedy.
In a statement, Aramark expressed deep sorrow over the loss of its employees and extended its sympathies to the families and the entire Aramark community.
The incident has prompted conversations about campus safety and the need for more vigilance in preventing such senseless violence.
FSU restaurant manager Anthony Cicatello reflected on the tragic day, recalling how the dining hall, which had been filled with middle school students, turned into a scene of terror as they hid under tables and chairs.
Legal Actions and Support for the Victims’ Families
As the families of the victims struggle to come to terms with their loss, Tiru Chabba’s family has hired prominent civil rights attorney Bakari Sellers to pursue legal action against those responsible for the tragedy.
Sellers expressed his outrage over the violence and emphasized the lasting impact this senseless act will have on the Chabba family.
Robert Morales’s family also expressed their grief, with his brother describing the loss as devastating. Both families are determined to seek justice for their loved ones.
The Ongoing Investigation and Public Safety Concerns
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with authorities continuing to gather information about the events that led to the attack.
As details emerge, the incident raises important questions about the accessibility of firearms and the mental health of individuals who may be harboring dangerous ideologies.
The broader community, including law enforcement officials and FSU students, are grappling with the shock of this tragedy and are now focusing on healing and supporting one another in the aftermath.