A tragic shooting on Thursday afternoon at Florida State University has left two people dead and six others injured, sending shockwaves through the campus and broader Tallahassee community.
The gunman, a 20-year-old student studying political science, opened fire on campus, sparking panic and forcing the university into lockdown.
The victims, all rushed to Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare in serious condition, were treated as the situation unfolded. Medical staff worked quickly to manage the crisis. By Friday, hospital officials said most victims were expected to recover. Among the wounded was the shooter, Phoenix Ikner, who was treated and later taken into custody. Police later confirmed that he is the son of a deputy from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities revealed that both of the individuals who died were not students. One of them was later identified as Robert Morales, a father and husband who worked in food services at FSU. He also served as an assistant football coach at Leon High School, where he was deeply respected for his leadership and mentorship. Tributes poured in from colleagues, students, and friends who remembered him not only as a dedicated worker but as a mentor who shaped young lives through football.
Morales was also connected to the local restaurant scene as a founding member of Gordos, a popular eatery in Tallahassee. The restaurant’s owner expressed deep sorrow over his death, describing it as a loss for the entire community.
The second person killed in the shooting has not yet been named publicly, but Aramark, the company responsible for campus dining services, confirmed that one of their employees was among the victims. The company shared its grief in a statement, mourning the loss of a team member in what they called a senseless act of violence.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and investigators are continuing to gather information. The university community is reeling from the violence, coming to terms with the loss of two individuals who were part of daily campus life. The tragedy has prompted renewed concerns about safety and mental health on college campuses.
As the investigation continues, the families of the victims, the survivors, and the FSU community are left grappling with grief, remembering lives lost too soon and hoping for healing in the days ahead.