FSU shooting: What we know about the victims, suspect, and how the tragedy unfolded

The Florida State University (FSU) community in Tallahassee is in mourning after a deadly campus shooting left two people dead and six others injured on Thursday. Authorities have identified the 20-year-old suspect, an FSU political science student, and released a detailed timeline of the events that shook the university. The gunman, Phoenix Ikner, was apprehended after being shot by responding officers and remains hospitalised in custody. Investigators are still searching for a motive behind the attack, which occurred in broad daylight near the FSU student union.

Who were the FSU shooting victims?

The two individuals killed in the shooting have been identified as Robert Morales and Tiru Chabba. Morales served as a dining coordinator at Florida State University and had been a fixture on campus since 2015. He was widely respected among students and staff for his service and dedication. Chabba, a 45-year-old father of two, was a regional vice president with Aramark Collegiate Hospitality and had been visiting the campus on work-related duties at the time of the shooting.

Both victims were unarmed and caught in the line of fire during what law enforcement is calling a “targeted but unprovoked act of violence.”

How did the Florida State University shooting unfold?

According to a statement released by the Tallahassee Police Department, Phoenix Ikner entered an FSU parking garage at approximately 11:00 a.m. on Thursday. Surveillance and eyewitness reports suggest he remained in the garage for nearly an hour. By 11:51 a.m., Ikner exited the structure and walked toward the student union. Within minutes—around 11:56 a.m.—he began firing a handgun in the direction of nearby individuals.

The first 911 calls were received by 11:58 a.m., prompting an immediate police response. By 12:00 p.m., Ikner had been shot and subdued by law enforcement officers. The entire episode, from the first shot to the arrest, lasted under five minutes.

Authorities recovered a handgun at the scene believed to be the primary weapon used. A shotgun was also found, though it remains unclear whether it was fired. The handgun was reportedly a former service weapon belonging to Ikner’s stepmother, a former law enforcement officer with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. Ikner is her stepson.

What is known about the suspect, Phoenix Ikner?

Phoenix Ikner was a political science student enrolled at FSU and had no known history of violence or previous criminal record. However, police stated that Ikner has refused to cooperate with investigators or disclose any potential motivations. As of now, authorities have not identified any links to extremist ideologies, personal vendettas, or mental health issues, though all possibilities remain under review.

The suspect remains hospitalised in stable condition under police guard. Formal charges are expected to be filed upon his release from medical care.

What is the broader impact on the FSU community?

The shooting has reverberated across the FSU campus and beyond, triggering a wave of grief and anxiety among students, faculty, and Tallahassee residents. University officials cancelled classes and held a vigil at Langford Green, where hundreds gathered to honour the victims and reflect on the lives lost.

FSU President Richard McCullough issued a statement offering condolences and emphasising the university’s commitment to student safety, promising to work with local and federal law enforcement agencies throughout the investigation. Support services, including mental health counselling, have been made available for students and staff.

In the wake of the tragedy, the university has also pledged to review its campus safety protocols and conduct a security audit. The move comes amid renewed national debate over gun control policies, especially those affecting college campuses.

Are there broader implications for gun control and campus safety?

The FSU shooting adds to a growing list of gun-related incidents on college campuses across the United States. While Ikner’s motive remains unclear, the fact that he used a service weapon linked to law enforcement has intensified scrutiny over how such firearms are stored and who has access to them. The incident is likely to reignite conversations around background checks, campus carry laws, and the availability of guns to individuals with potential access to police-issue firearms.

Lawmakers and advocacy groups have begun calling for tighter controls on firearm storage and enhanced mental health screenings, particularly in households with law enforcement ties. The role of family members in granting access—intentionally or otherwise—to dangerous weapons has become a focal point of discussion.

What happens next in the FSU shooting investigation?

With the immediate threat neutralised, the Tallahassee Police Department is leading a multi-agency investigation to piece together Ikner’s background, relationships, and digital footprint. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is reportedly assisting in analysing online activity and any communication that may indicate premeditation.

Prosecutors are expected to file multiple charges, including first-degree murder and attempted murder. The six injured individuals are receiving treatment for gunshot wounds, with two reportedly in critical condition. Their identities have not yet been disclosed, and their families have asked for privacy.

Authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information or who witnessed the incident to contact the Tallahassee Police Department’s dedicated tip line.