Tallahassee, FL – On April 17, 2025, Florida State University (FSU) was the site of a devastating mass shooting that claimed the lives of two dedicated employees and fathers: Robert Morales and Tiru Chabba. Six others were injured in the attack, which has left the FSU community and the victims’ families in mourning.
Robert Morales: A Pillar of the FSU Community
Robert Morales, 57, served as a dining coordinator at FSU since 2015. Beyond his professional role, he was known for his passion for Cuban cuisine, having co-founded Gordos Cuban Cuisine in Tallahassee. His brother, Ricardo Morales Jr., shared on social media, “He loved his job at FSU and his beautiful wife and daughter.” Robert was also the son of Ricardo “Monkey” Morales, a Cuban exile and CIA operative, adding a layer of historical significance to his family’s legacy.
You deserved better
Robert. Thank you for being in my life. pic.twitter.com/pIds98nFbI— Ricardo Morales Jr. (@Rick714Canes) April 18, 2025
Tiru Chabba: A Dedicated Leader and Family Man
Tiru Chabba, 45, was a regional vice president with Aramark Collegiate Hospitality and a father of two from Greenville, South Carolina. He was on campus fulfilling his professional duties when the tragedy occurred. His family, represented by attorney Bakari Sellers, expressed profound grief, stating, “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 Incident and Aftermath
The suspected shooter, 20-year-old FSU student Phoenix Ikner, is the stepson of a Leon County sheriff’s deputy. He allegedly used his stepmother’s former service weapon to carry out the attack. Ikner was shot by police and remains hospitalized. Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive for the shooting.
https://x.com/Rick714Canes/status/1913040263368356325
In response to the tragedy, FSU held a vigil to honor the victims, and fundraisers have been established to support the families of Morales and Chabba. The university community continues to grapple with the loss while advocating for measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
