In a tragic turn of events, Florida State University (FSU) became the scene of a mass shooting on Thursday, April 17, 2025, that left two people dead and six others injured. Among the victims was Tiru Chabba, a 45-year-old regional vice president for Aramark Collegiate Hospitality, who was on campus working with a vendor when the gunfire erupted.
Chabba, a resident of Greenville, South Carolina, was remembered as a loving father and devoted husband. His family is now grappling with the loss of a man who was not only an employee but a cherished member of their community. "Tiru Chabba’s family is going through the unimaginable now," said Bakari Sellers, an attorney representing the family. "Instead of hiding Easter eggs and visiting with friends and family, they’re living a nightmare where this loving father and devoted husband was stolen from them in an act of senseless and preventable violence."
The shooting occurred shortly before noon in the vicinity of the Student Union, where a 20-year-old student, identified as Phoenix Ikner, opened fire, killing Chabba and another victim, Robert Morales, a native of Miami-Dade. Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of chaos as students and staff scrambled for safety amidst the gunfire.
One student recounted, "I just started running as fast as I could, and then I could just hear, like, shots echoing as I was running. People were running away from the Student Union. It was just complete chaos." This sentiment was echoed by many who experienced the terrifying moments of the shooting.
In the aftermath, a memorial has begun to take shape on campus, with students leaving flowers, candles, and heartfelt messages to honor the victims. The sense of community support has been palpable, as students come together to mourn the loss of life and support one another during this difficult time.
Aramark, the company that employed Chabba, expressed its sorrow in a statement, saying, "We are heartbroken to confirm that an Aramark employee was among those killed at FSU yesterday in that senseless act of violence. We are absolutely shaken by the news and our deepest sympathies are with the family and our entire Aramark community."
As investigations into the shooting continue, authorities have confirmed that Ikner is in custody. He is reportedly the son of a Leon County sheriff’s deputy and allegedly used his mother’s former service weapon during the attack. This revelation has raised questions about gun access and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In a statement, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed his condolences, saying, "Casey and I stand in solidarity and are praying for the entire Florida State community. We’re mourning the two individuals who lost their lives in this tragic attack, and we wish well those who are currently recovering in the hospital. This killer must and will be brought to justice to the fullest extent of the law."
The shooting has sparked renewed discussions about gun legislation and campus safety. President Donald Trump, when asked about potential legislative responses, emphasized his commitment to protecting the Second Amendment. "This has been going on for a long time. I have an obligation to protect the Second Amendment, and I will always protect the Second Amendment," he stated.
As the FSU community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, many students have voiced their concerns about safety on campus. "I think it’s definitely a concern. I am a tad bit nervous because it’s starting to get more and more common in America," said one student, reflecting the anxiety felt by many in the wake of the shooting.
In response to the tragedy, FSU has announced plans to provide support for students and staff affected by the shooting. A support center will be open to offer counseling and resources for those in need, and a vigil is planned to honor the victims and provide a space for collective mourning.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring that justice is served for the victims and their families. Sellers, the attorney representing Chabba’s family, stated, "We ask you to keep his family in your thoughts and prayers as we fight to ensure they see justice that honors the memories of Mr. Chabba and all the victims of Thursday’s shooting."
This incident is not the first of its kind at FSU. In November 2014, a shooting at Strozier Library left two students and one employee injured before the shooter was killed by police. Such events have left a lasting impact on the campus community, raising ongoing concerns about safety and the need for effective measures to prevent future tragedies.
As the FSU community comes together to heal, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for conversations around gun violence and the importance of mental health resources on campuses nationwide. The hope is that through collective action and awareness, steps can be taken to prevent such senseless acts of violence in the future.
In the coming days, as students prepare to return home for the Easter holiday, many will reflect on the fragility of life and the importance of community support in times of crisis. The memories of Tiru Chabba and Robert Morales will not be forgotten, and their families will continue to seek justice and healing in the wake of this heartbreaking event.
