The Tragedy at FSU

The shooting occurred near the FSU student union building just before noon, when 20-year-old FSU student Phoenix Ikner opened fire, killing two people and injuring six others. According to reports from The Washington Post, Ikner, the stepson of a sheriff’s deputy, used his mother’s former service weapon. Police engaged and wounded the suspect, who remains hospitalized. Five of the injured suffered gunshot wounds, while one was hurt while fleeing, with all expected to recover, as noted by Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.

The motive for the shooting remains unclear, with no established link between Ikner and the victims. The incident, described as the 81st mass shooting in the U.S. in 2025 by CNN, prompted FSU to cancel classes through Friday and athletic events through Sunday, offering counseling to students and staff.

Who Was Robert Morales?

Robert Morales, also referred to as Roberto Morales in some reports, was a beloved figure at FSU and in the broader Tallahassee community. A graduate of FSU, Morales had served as a dining coordinator for nearly a decade, a role in which he excelled with dedication and care. According to CNN, he was known for surprising colleagues with homemade Cuban meals and pastries, reflecting his culinary passion and generous spirit. His commitment extended to ensuring safe dining options for students with severe allergies, working closely with chefs to accommodate their needs.

Beyond FSU, Morales was an assistant football coach at Leon High School, where he was remembered as a "trusted coach, respected colleague, and cherished friend." The school’s official statement, available at Leon High Athletics, expressed heartbreak over his loss, noting his role as a pillar of support for students and staff. Morales’ impact was further highlighted by celebrity chef Art Smith, who described him as “jolly, joyful, and sweet,” always ready with a smile and kind word.

Morales was also an entrepreneur, having co-founded Gordos Cuban Cuisine, a popular Tallahassee restaurant, as reported by People Magazine. His involvement in the restaurant showcased his entrepreneurial spirit and pride in his Cuban heritage, which he brought to both his professional and personal life.

A Family Man and His Legacy

Morales was a devoted husband and father, leaving behind a wife and daughter. His brother, Ricardo Morales Jr., shared a heartfelt tribute on X, writing: “Today we lost my younger Brother, He was one of the victims killed at FSU. He loved his job at FSU and his beautiful Wife and Daughter. I’m glad you were in my Life” (X Post). The post included cherished family photos, one showing a young Morales with his father and another with his grandmother, siblings, and cousin, capturing moments of joy from his childhood.

The Morales family has a notable historical background. Robert’s father, Ricardo “Monkey” Morales, was a Cuban-American CIA operative and anti-Castro militant, involved in the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion and alleged to have ties to Lee Harvey Oswald, as detailed by The Miami Herald. A sniper instructor in the early 1960s, he worked with agencies like the CIA, FBI, DEA, and Israel’s Mossad before his death in 1982 at age 43 in a bar fight ruled as justifiable homicide. This complex legacy adds depth to Robert Morales’ story, connecting him to a history of service and resilience.

Community Response and Remembrance

The FSU community responded swiftly to the tragedy, holding a vigil on Friday at Langford Green to honor Morales and the other victim, Tiru Chabba, a 45-year-old father of two and employee of a campus vendor. University officials, students, and staff gathered to pay their respects, with FSU Vice President Kyle Clark noting that Morales “didn’t just do the job. He lived the job,” making the dining experience feel like home, especially for students from South Florida.

A GoFundMe was established to support Morales’ surviving family, reflecting the community’s desire to provide tangible help during this difficult time. The outpouring of support, both online and in person, underscores the profound impact Morales had on those around him.

The Other Victim: Tiru Chabba

While this post focuses on Robert Morales, it’s important to acknowledge Tiru Chabba, the other victim of the shooting. Chabba, a 45-year-old resident of Greenville, South Carolina, was a regional vice president with Aramark Collegiate Hospitality, working on FSU’s campus as part of a food services contract. Described as a loving father and devoted husband, Chabba was remembered for his care for others, notably distributing donated lunches at Bob Jones University after Hurricane Helene. His family, represented by attorneys, is seeking justice, as noted in People Magazine.