TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A tragic event unfolded at Florida State University when a gunman fatally shot two individuals and wounded six others. The incident prompted a lockdown and created chaos across the campus. The gunman, identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, a student at the university, used a firearm that once belonged to his stepmother, a former sheriff’s deputy. Authorities are still investigating the motives behind the shooting which erupted near the bustling student union during lunchtime.
Ikner ignored police commands which led to him being shot and wounded by law enforcement officers at the scene. The identities of the deceased have not been fully disclosed by officials. However, according to family sources, one of the victims was a university employee named Robert Morales, and the other was Tiru Chabba, a regional vice president for Aramark Collegiate Hospitality.
Robert Morales, known for his dedication to his job at the university’s dining services, had been a part of the Florida State community since 2015. Described by colleagues as a passionate worker, Morales had previously studied criminology at the same institution in the 1990s. Profiles and recollections from peers remembered him as a man who consistently went beyond his assigned duties, also serving as a former assistant football coach and engaging his creative energies in developing culinary offerings, particularly Cuban cuisine.
At a campus vigil, Kyle Clark, a senior vice president at FSU, commented on Morales’ impactful life and career. “He didn’t just perform his role; he embodied it and brought it to life every day, making him a remarkable figure on our campus,” Clark said.
The Morales family has an intriguing background, with Robert’s father, Ricardo Morales, known as “Monkey,” having been a Cuban exile who led a vibrant life as a CIA operative and later as an infamous figure in several high-profile international incidents, according to a forthcoming book. The elder Morales met a tragic end in 1982 during a bar altercation.
Meanwhile, Tiru Chabba is remembered as a dedicated father and husband, deeply mourned by his family. Living in Greenville, South Carolina, Chabba held an MBA from The Citadel and managed to build a respected career over two decades with Aramark. His sudden death left his family grappling with grief during what would have been festive preparations for Easter.
Bakari Sellers, representing Chabba’s family, expressed their profound sorrow and the senseless nature of the violence they are now facing. “This was not just a loss of a loved one, but a piercing, devastating blow to the heart of a family,” Sellers stated.
As the community and the families of the victims seek answers and comfort, authorities continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to this violent act, hoping to uncover the motivations behind it and prevent future tragedies. This shooting not only reignites debates about gun control but also about campus safety, prompting discussions on how best to protect students and staff at educational institutions.