On April 17, 2025, a tragic shooting at Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee claimed the lives of two dedicated fathers and university staff members: Robert Morales and Tiru Chabba.Latest news & breaking headlines+5People.com+5AP News+5
Robert Morales
Robert Morales, a beloved dining coordinator at FSU, had been part of the university community since 2015. Known for his passion for Cuban cuisine, he co-founded Gordos Cuban Cuisine and was remembered by colleagues for his innovative menus and commitment to his work. Beyond his culinary contributions, Morales was a former assistant football coach at Leon High School, reflecting his dedication to mentoring young individuals. His brother, Ricardo Morales Jr., shared heartfelt memories, emphasizing Robert’s love for his family, including his wife and daughter. The Morales family has a notable history; their father, Ricardo “Monkey” Morales, was a Cuban exile and CIA operative, whose life story is chronicled in an upcoming biography. People.com+2JC Post+2People.com+2People.com+1JC Post+1
Tiru Chabba
Tiru Chabba, a 45-year-old regional vice president with Aramark Collegiate Hospitality, was also among the victims. Based in Greenville, South Carolina, Chabba had dedicated over two decades to Aramark and held an MBA from The Citadel. He was a devoted husband and father of two. His family, represented by civil rights attorney Bakari Sellers, expressed profound grief over the loss, describing the incident as a “senseless and preventable” act of violence. Latest news & breaking headlines+5People.com+5JC Post+5JC Post
The Incident
The shooting occurred near FSU’s student union around noon. The alleged shooter, 20-year-old FSU student Phoenix Ikner, used a handgun belonging to his stepmother, a long-serving Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy. Ikner was known for expressing far-right, racist, and homophobic views, leading to his expulsion from a university debate club. He was apprehended at the scene after being shot by police and is currently hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. CBS News+6AP News+6People.com+6Latest news & breaking headlinesPeople.com
The FSU community has been deeply affected by this tragedy, with vigils held to honor the victims and support their families. The incident has reignited discussions on campus safety and the influence of extremist ideologies among youth.
