The victims have been revealed.
Two individuals who lost their lives in Thursday’s mass shooting at Florida State University (FSU) have been identified as Robert Morales and Tiru Chabba. Both were known for their dedication to their families and their roles as food service professionals. The shooting, which occurred near midday in Tallahassee, left eight people injured in total. While Morales and Chabba sadly did not survive, hospital officials reported that the six other victims are expected to recover fully.
Authorities identified the suspect as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, an FSU student and stepson of a local sheriff’s deputy. According to reports, Ikner was shot by Tallahassee police after he failed to follow officers’ commands. Among the victims, Robert Morales had also served as an assistant football coach at Leon High School. The school’s athletic department released a statement expressing deep sorrow over his passing, describing him as a passionate mentor and a valued member of their coaching staff.
In support of Morales’ family, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched by friends of his wife, Betty Morales. The fundraiser has garnered over $31,000 to assist his wife and daughter in coping with their loss. His brother, Ricardo Morales Jr., also shared a tribute on social media, posting cherished family photos and expressing grief for his brother’s passing while celebrating the life he lived.
Tiru Chabba, the other victim, was a 45-year-old husband and father of two from South Carolina. He was on campus working for a vendor at the time of the incident. His death was confirmed by Strom Law Firm, which is representing his family. The firm expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and emphasized the family’s overwhelming grief during what should have been a time of celebration. Civil rights attorney Bakari Sellers announced legal representation for Chabba’s family and called for a thorough investigation.
Chabba was employed as a regional vice president for Aramark Collegiate Hospitality, which also released a statement mourning his loss. FSU responded to the tragedy by canceling classes through Friday and postponing all athletic events over the weekend. A candlelight vigil was held on campus Friday evening to honor the victims, offering the community a space to grieve and stand together in remembrance.
