Tallahassee, Fla. — A tragic shooting at Florida State University’s Student Union on Thursday left two people dead and six others injured, turning a routine day into a scene of chaos and despair. The assailant, identified as 20-year-old FSU student Phoenix Ikner, was also injured in the incident after police intervention and is currently hospitalized.
The attack, which unfolded rapidly, resulted in a range of injuries among the victims, all of whom are now in stable condition according to updates from Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. Among the injured, five were directly wounded by gunfire, while a sixth suffered injuries while trying to escape the violent scene.
Victims of the attack included Robert Morales, 57, a dedicated employee in the university’s dining services, and Tiru Chabba, 45, a campus vendor and father of two. Chabba was working on campus when the shooter commenced fire, as recounted by attorney Bakari Sellers of the Strom Law Firm in a heartfelt statement. Morales, recognized for his service in the dining facilities, tragically lost his life during a meeting with colleagues. He is survived by his wife and daughter, leaving a community to mourn the loss of a loving family man and colleague.
The incident brought back horrific memories of past violence on campus, including a 2014 shooting at FSU’s library. Hospital staff, some of whom had responded to the previous tragedy, were once again called to action. Dr. Brett Howard, a trauma surgeon, recounted the swift and efficient response that saw the medical team treating multiple gunshot wound victims within an hour of the event.
FSU graduate student Madison Askins, 23, survived the harrowing ordeal by feigning death after being shot. In a poignant recount of the moment, she described the terrifying seconds during which she hoped her immobility would spare her from further harm. Askins heard the assailant reloading and muttering, a chilling memory she shared from her hospital bed.
With six victims rushed to the operating rooms, the medical team faced a demanding situation. Two individuals required abdominal surgery, another needed facial reconstruction, and others suffered injuries to their extremities. Dr. Shelby Blank, who also treated victims during the 2014 incident, described the shooting as catastrophic, stressing the dire implications when such violence breaches a densely populated student area.
A vigil was held Friday at Langford Green, where the university community gathered to light candles and lay flowers in tribute to the victims. This somber event offered a space for collective mourning and a stark reminder of the persistence of gun violence in educational settings.
As the investigation into the shooting continues, law enforcement, university officials, and community members are searching for answers and ways to prevent such tragedies in the future. Meanwhile, the families and friends of those affected are facing the unbearable grief of sudden loss, holding onto memories of their loved ones and seeking justice in their names.