FSU shooting vigil: 'A terrible act of violence'
FSU community vigil in wake of shooting: Full ceremony
The Florida State University (FSU) community gathered on Friday for a vigil to honor those killed and hurt in a shooting on campus the day before. Two people died and 6 people were hurt, officials said. Police identified the suspected shooter as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, a student at FSU and the son of a Leon County Sheriff's Office deputy.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Two people were killed, and six people were injured, in a mass shooting on Thursday at Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee, Florida.
The 20-year-old suspect, a student at FSU and the son of a Leon County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) deputy, was shot and taken into custody, officials said. He has been identified as Phoenix Ikner.
The Tallahassee Police Department, the lead agency investigating the shooting and the deaths, has not yet released the names of those killed or hurt; the family of one of the two victims have shared memorials online.
Hundreds gathered Friday night on FSU's campus for a vigil. President Richard McCullough, Senior Vice President Kyle Clark, and others, spoke during the event.
Clark identified and memorialized one of FSU's employees killed in the shooting.
FSU President: ‘A terrible act of violence shook our community’
FSU shooting: School president speaks at vigil to honor victims
Florida State University (FSU) hosted a vigil on Friday afternoon to honor the victims after authorities said a gunman opened fire on campus on Thursday, killing two people and injuring six others. The suspected shooter, identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, an FSU student and the son of a Florida school resource deputy, was shot by law enforcement and transported to a hospital for treatment, officials confirmed. All classes at FSU have been canceled in the wake of the shooting and all FSU athletic events in Tallahassee have been canceled through Sunday. FSU President Richard McCullough was the first to speak at the event.
"A terrible act of violence shook our community. It's the kind of tragedy that shouldn't happen. Not here, not anywhere. We are heartbroken. Two people lost their lives. Six more were injured," FSU President Richard McCullough said during the event.
He credited the quick response from law enforcement for saving lives.
"Florida State University and the entire region responded. It was unbelievable. It was unbelievable. The FSU Police Department was there in an instant, literally an instant, and took down the shooter. Tallahasee Police Department, Leon County Sheriff's Office, [Florida] Highway Patrol, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, were here, surrounding the campus," he said.
"They ran into danger. Their courage and quick action prevented more loss. I cannot be more grateful. We cannot be more grateful."
He then discussed the support for the students and faculty.
"I'm angry. You're angry. Some of us are angry. Some of us are numb. I'm completely numb. Some of us are scared. I understand that. It's a very emotional time. All those feelings are normal. There's no right response to tragedy. But I want to be clear, you're not alone. You're not alone. We are here for you."
FSU VP remembers shooting victim: Robert Morales
FSU shooting victim remembered: Robert Morales
Florida State Universtiy Senior Vice President Kyle Clark remembered his colleague, Robert Morales, one of two people killed in a shooting at FSU. "Robert was passionate about many things: his family, Florida State University, the Miami Dolphins, and great food," he said. Robert worked alongside the chefs and employees at several of the eateries on campus, he said. "He didn't just do the job; he lived the job."
FSU Senior Vice President Kyle Clark remembered a colleague on his team, Robert Morales, who was killed in the shooting. He worked in the Department of Business Services and oversaw the dining options throughout campus, Clark said.
"Robert was passionate about many things: his family, Florida State University, the Miami Dolphins, and great food," he said.
What do we know about the second victim?
During the vigil, FSU VP Kyle Clark said that out of respect for the other family, he was only going to be discussing Morales.
The Tallahassee Police Department has not released the names of those killed, or injured.
On Friday, Attorney Bakari Sellers, of Strom Law, posted on X that he had been retained to represent the family of Tiru Chabba, who was killed in the shooting. Media reports have also identified the second victim as Chabba.
FOX 35 cannot independently confirm those reports.
"My firm @stromlaw has been retained to represent Tiru Chabba. He was a husband and father whose life was tragically taken on the campus of Florida State University this week."
"The family asks you respect their privacy at this time. They would appreciate the time to grieve and celebrate the life of their loved one."
A spokesperson for Aramark confirmed that one of its employees was killed in the shooting, but did not name the employee nor their position. FOX 35 reached out for clarification.
What do we know about the alleged suspect?
Tallahassee Police said the shooting was over in about 5 minutes after police challenged and shot the suspect, who reportedly refused their commands.
He was identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, a student at FSU and the son of a Leon County Sheriff's Office deputy. He reportedly used his stepmom's handgun, which was found at the shooting scene. Ikner also had a shotgun with him, though it is unclear if he actually used it.
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The Source: The information used in this story comes from press conferences and news releases from Florida State University, Tallahassee Police Department, Leon County Sheriff's Office, Aramark, Attorney Bakari Sellers post on X, and FOX 35 reporting.