Brade
The two victims tragically killed in Thursday’s mass shooting at Florida State University (FSU) have been identified as ROBERT MORALES and TIRU CHABBA, both cherished family men and dedicated food service employees. The incident, which occurred just before noon in Tallahassee, left eight people wounded, with six expected to make a full recovery, according to hospital officials.
The suspect, PHOENIX IKNER, a 20-year-old FSU student and stepson of a Leon County Sheriff’s Office deputy, was shot by Tallahassee police after refusing to comply with commands. Authorities confirmed that Ikner used his mother’s weapon in the shooting.
ROBERT MORALES, a former assistant football coach at Leon High School, was remembered by the school’s athletics department as a “beloved member of our athletic community.” In a statement released Friday, the school praised Morales for his “dedication, integrity, and true passion for mentoring young athletes,” adding that he was a “trusted coach, respected colleague, and cherished friend to many.” A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support Morales’ family, raising over $31,000 as of Friday afternoon. The fundraiser, organized by friends of his wife, BETTY MORALES, aims to provide financial assistance to the family during this difficult time.
TIRU CHABBA, a 45-year-old father of two from Greenville, South Carolina, was working as an employee for a campus vendor at the time of the shooting. The Strom Law Firm, representing Chabba’s family, confirmed his death in a statement, describing him as a “loving father and devoted husband.” The firm emphasized the family’s unimaginable grief, stating, “Instead of hiding Easter eggs and visiting with friends and family, they’re living a nightmare.” National civil rights attorney BAKARI SELLERS, along with colleague JIM BANNISTER, will represent Chabba’s family in future legal proceedings.
Aramark Collegiate Hospitality, where Chabba served as a regional vice president, expressed deep sorrow over the loss. “We are heartbroken to confirm that an Aramark employee was among those killed at FSU yesterday in that senseless act of violence,” the company stated. “Our deepest sympathies are with the family and our entire Aramark community.”
FSU canceled classes through Friday and athletic events through the weekend. The university held a vigil for the victims on Friday evening at Langford Green in front of the Unconquered Statue.
The community continues to mourn the loss of Morales and Chabba, while authorities work to ensure justice for the victims and their families.
**Sources:**
[Fox News](https://www.foxnews.com)
[The Associated Press](https://apnews.com)
[GoFundMe for Robert Morales](https://www.gofundme.com)
