News Summary
A tragic shooting at Florida State University on April 17, 2025, left two dead and six injured. The incident has raised serious concerns over campus safety and gun control measures. Witnesses describe a chaotic scene as students sought shelter from gunfire. The alleged shooter, a 20-year-old student, was apprehended and a handgun was recovered. University officials and local law enforcement are now investigating the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking event, while a vigil and memorials are organized for the victims.
Tallahassee, Florida – A tragic shooting at Florida State University (FSU) occurred on April 17, 2025, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to six others. The incident unfolded near the student union around 11:50 a.m., triggering an immediate campus-wide lockdown as students sought safety from the onslaught of gunfire.
The alleged gunman, identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, reportedly opened fire during what appeared to be a chaotic scene. The two victims killed in the attack were recognized as Robert Morales, who worked as a university dining employee, and Tiru Chabba, a 45-year-old vendor on campus and father of two. Five of the six injured individuals suffered gunshot wounds, while the sixth was hurt while fleeing the horrific incident.
Law enforcement responded quickly to the scene, engaging the shooter and injuring him in the process. Ikner was subsequently apprehended and transported to a local hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Officials recovered a handgun belonging to Ikner’s mother, a long-serving deputy with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, at the scene and also found a shotgun, although it remains uncertain whether it was involved in the shooting.
Witnesses have recounted the disturbing events as students barricaded themselves in classrooms, attempting to protect themselves from the gunfire. In the aftermath of the shooting, all classes and events on campus were canceled from April 17 to April 18, and several campus buildings remained closed to allow for investigations.
The FBI has joined local law enforcement in investigating the nuances surrounding the incident, focusing on Ikner’s background. He had previously engaged with the sheriff’s office, taking part in multiple training programs and serving on a youth advisory council, which raises questions about how he obtained the firearms used in the shooting.
In addition to the immediate community response, FSU President Richard McCullough expressed deep sorrow over the incident and reassured students and faculty that the university is dedicated to supporting those affected. Following this tragic event, a vigil honoring the victims is scheduled, as memorials have begun to appear across campus.
The shooting has prompted renewed conversations surrounding gun control and safety measures in educational institutions nationwide, drawing the attention of significant political figures, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and President Donald Trump, who were both briefed on the situation and have extended their condolences to the families of those impacted.
Prior to this event, FSU has faced violence on campus, most notably a shooting in 2014 at a library that resulted in one fatality and three injuries. This latest incident has reignited concerns about safety in schools and universities.
Law enforcement officials have urged anyone with additional information or photographs from the day of the incident to come forward as the investigation continues. The community is grappling with the aftermath of this devastating event, seeking ways to support victims’ families and address broader issues of safety and violence.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Shooting at Florida State University Claims Lives
Florida State University Shooting Leaves Two Dead
Tensions Rise in Tallahassee Following FSU Shooting
Drew Allen Appointed Executive Director of FSU’s InSPIRE Initiative
The Filibuster: A Unique Dining Experience in Tallahassee
Tallahassee’s Culinary Landscape Faces Transformations
Tensions Rise in Tallahassee Over TMH Governance Proposal
Florida State University Experiences Tragic Shooting
Tallahassee and South Georgia Weekend of Fun: April 25-27
Tragedy at Florida State University: Community Struggles After Campus Shooting
Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: Attorneys of FSU Shooting Victim Call for Transparency
- CNN: Gunman’s Mother in FSU Shooting
- ABC News: Alleged FSU Gunman’s Background
- New York Times: FSU Shooting Suspect and Victims
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Control
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
