FSU to resume classes Monday, 4 days after deadly shooting

Muri Assunção, New York Daily News on Apr 19, 2025

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Florida State University will resume all “classes and business operations” on Monday, four days after a gunman opened fire at its Tallahassee campus, killing two people and wounding several more.

FSU President Richard McCullough made the announcement in a social media post Saturday, reminding students, professors and staff members that the days ahead “won’t feel like a normal week.”

“It’s the last one before finals, and many of you are still processing what happened,” McCullough said, noting that free professional counseling services are available to anyone affected by the tragedy.

Chaos ensued shortly before noon on Thursday when gunfire broke out near the university’s student union, officials said.

Two people were killed in the massacre: 57-year-old Robert Morales, a longtime school dining employee, and 45-year-old Tiru Chabba, a married father of two from South Carolina who worked for a university vendor.

Five other victims were wounded by gunfire, while another person was injured while attempting to run away from the shooting, Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell said. The suspect was also shot and wounded by police after he refused to comply with their commands.

The alleged shooter was identified as 20-year-old FSU student Phoenix Ikner, the stepson of a veteran deputy with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. Police said an old service weapon belonging to his stepmother was used in the shooting.

“Our hearts are heavy after the tragedy that took place April 17,” McCullough said Saturday. “We are grieving with the families and friends who lost someone they love. And we are with all those who were injured and are now recovering. This has shaken all of us, and I want you to know: We are here for you.”

So far, no motive for the massacre has been determined and there does not appear to be any connection between Ikner and the victims.