A tragic shooting at Florida State University's Tallahassee campus has shaken the academic community and food service industry.
According to Daily Mail Online, Aramark Collegiate Hospitality regional vice president Tiru Chabba, 45, and FSU dining coordinator Robert Morales were fatally shot when student Phoenix Ikner, 20, opened fire on Thursday, wounding six others before being apprehended by police.
The incident occurred during a routine campus visit by Chabba, who had traveled from his home in Simpsonville, South Carolina, for meetings with staff and university officials. Morales, a nine-year veteran of the university's dining services, was performing his regular duties when the shooting took place.
Chabba's 25-year career with Aramark culminated in his promotion to regional vice president in October 2022. His colleagues have taken to social media to share memories of his leadership and character.
FSU restaurant manager Anthony Cicatello described the chaotic scene that unfolded during the shooting. A group of 60 middle school students touring the campus were forced to take cover under tables and chairs in the dining hall.
Aramark vice president Todd Gardener, whose daughter attends FSU, expressed his grief over losing a friend and coworker. Fellow colleague Jess Levy remembered Chabba as "an amazing leader and the most humble and kind person."
Chabba's family has retained civil rights attorney Bakari Sellers and Jim Bannister to pursue legal action against "all those who bear responsibility" for the tragedy.
The Chabba family is grappling with their loss during what should have been a joyful Easter season. Their legal team has requested privacy as they seek justice for the victims.
Morales's connection to the Tallahassee community extended beyond his university role, as he was one of the founders of the popular Gordos Cuban Cuisine restaurant.
Former classmates have revealed that Ikner held extremist beliefs and was previously removed from a campus political discussion group due to his rhetoric.
The weapon used in the shooting belonged to Ikner's mother, Leon County Sheriff's Deputy Jessica Ikner. Officials confirmed it was her private handgun, which she had purchased after using it during her law enforcement service.
The shooter had participated in the Leon County Sheriff's Office youth programs, with Sheriff McNeil noting Ikner was "steeped in the Leon County Sheriff's Office family."
Two dedicated food service professionals lost their lives when student Phoenix Ikner opened fire at Florida State University's Tallahassee campus on Thursday. Tiru Chabba, visiting from South Carolina for routine meetings, and Robert Morales, a longtime dining coordinator, were killed in the attack that wounded six others. The incident has prompted legal action from Chabba's family while authorities investigate the shooter's access to his mother's law enforcement weapon and his reported extremist beliefs.
