Tallahassee, FL — A solemn atmosphere envelops the Florida State University (FSU) campus following a tragic shooting that occurred last Thursday, claiming the lives of two individuals and leaving several others injured. The victims, identified by the community as Robert Morales and Tiru Chabba, are being remembered for their contributions and the stark void their deaths have left behind.
Robert Morales, known for his dedication as an FSU employee and his previous role as an assistant football coach at Leon High School, was revered in the athletic community. The Leon High Athletics Department acknowledged Morales as “a trusted coach, respected colleague, and cherished friend,” highlighting the profound impact of his loss on all who knew him. Tiru Chabba, hailing from South Carolina, was on campus fulfilling his duties as a vendor when the shooting occurred. Both men are mourned deeply by the community, with tributes focusing on their personal virtues and the abruptness of their loss.
In an act of unimaginable bravery amidst chaos, one victim, Madison Askins, recounted the terrifying moments during the shooting. Speaking from Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, where she was treated for a spinal injury due to a bullet that remains lodged, Askins shared her survival strategy. “I remembered what my parents taught me about active shooter situations — stay down, play dead,” she said. This quick thinking perhaps saved her life when the shooter approached her as she contemplated a final message to her family.
The response at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare was swift and focused, with the medical team highlighting the clear-mindedness of the victims despite their traumatic experiences. “All of them were very clear-minded and able to converse with us,” remarked a doctor from the facility, underscoring the resilience of those hospitalized.
A growing memorial with flowers and candles has become a focal point on campus, reflecting the collective grief and solidarity of FSU students and staff. Jamiyah Benjamin, a student, expressed a sentiment shared by many: the victims will be remembered not for the tragedy that claimed their lives but for who they were as individuals.
The campus community continues to struggle with mixed emotions from sadness and fear to confusion and anger. Students like Scarlett Shepard are left with poignant questions directed at the unidentified shooter, asking simply, “How could you? And why?”
Another student, Julianna Gregory, voiced a message of resilience and healing: “It’s alright to mourn the person you were before this, but I hope you are able to be healed and to live the life that you wanted to live before this incident.”
Authorities reported that the suspected gunman was also injured and taken to the hospital after police responded to the incident. He, along with the other victims, is expected to make a full recovery, according to hospital officials.
As the Tallahassee community continues to process this overwhelming tragedy, the emphasis remains on healing and remembering the lives lost not just as victims of a senseless act but as valued members of the community whose absence will be felt deeply.