On Thursday, April 17, 2025, a tragic shooting on the Florida State University (FSU) campus in Tallahassee, Florida, left two individuals dead and six others wounded. The victims, two of whom worked in the university’s food services, have been identified as Robert Morales, a campus dining employee, and an unnamed Aramark employee, who worked for the company contracted to provide food services at FSU.

This mass shooting, which occurred near the Student Union, has left the FSU community in shock. The victims were part of the campus dining services, an essential workforce on the university’s campus, and their tragic deaths have sparked grief among colleagues, students, and the community at large.

The Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) hospital, which has been treating the surviving victims, confirmed that the patients were admitted with gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen, with three individuals requiring surgery. Fortunately, hospital officials stated that two patients were expected to be discharged soon, while three others were reported to be improving, and one individual remains in fair condition. The surviving victims are expected to make a full recovery, offering some relief to their families and loved ones.

However, the deaths of Robert Morales and the unnamed Aramark employee have left the FSU community devastated. This piece will explore the details of the incident, the victims’ lives, and the impact of this tragedy on the FSU campus and the broader Tallahassee community.

The FSU Shooting Incident: What Happened on April 17, 2025?

At approximately 11:50 a.m. on April 17, the FSU campus became the site of a horrific mass shooting. The suspect, Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old FSU student, opened fire near the Student Union, a highly trafficked area of the campus. The attack left two people dead and several others injured, all of whom were affiliated with the university’s food services.

FSU Police and Tallahassee Police quickly responded to the scene, neutralizing the threat and apprehending the suspect. Phoenix Ikner, who had reportedly used one of his stepmother’s firearms during the attack, was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

The Florida State University Police Department and other law enforcement agencies are investigating the motive behind the shooting. As of Friday, April 18, 2025, no clear motive has been released to the public, and authorities have not ruled out the possibility that mental health issues may have played a role in the attack.

Robert Morales: A Beloved Employee and Family Man

Robert Morales, one of the victims, was a well-loved employee of FSU’s dining services. According to those who knew him, Robert had worked for the university since 2015 and was described as a hardworking, dedicated employee who had a positive impact on the campus community. His role in FSU dining services made him a familiar face for students, staff, and faculty members alike.

Originally from Miami-Dade County, Robert Morales had made Tallahassee his home, where he lived with his wife and daughter. Those who worked with him described him as kind-hearted, approachable, and someone who always went above and beyond to assist students and colleagues. His tragic death has left his family and the FSU community in mourning.

His family expressed their heartbreak through a statement shared on social media:

“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.”

This heartfelt message reflects the immense loss felt by his family. Robert’s passing has reverberated throughout the campus, where his coworkers have also expressed their shock and sadness at his sudden death. Many have taken to social media to honor him and share their memories, with FSU dining services staff noting the integral role he played in their team.

The Second Victim: An Aramark Employee

The second individual killed in the shooting was an employee of Aramark, the food services contractor working at FSU. This employee, whose name has not yet been publicly disclosed, was also fatally shot in the attack.

An Aramark spokesperson expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating:

“We are heartbroken to confirm that an Aramark employee was among those killed at FSU yesterday in that senseless act of violence. We are absolutely shaken by the news, and our deepest sympathies are with the family and our entire Aramark community.”

Aramark, a company that provides food services at various universities across the United States, has expressed its commitment to supporting the victim’s family and providing counseling to the team members who worked closely with the deceased.

The Aramark team at FSU has experienced an overwhelming sense of loss, and the company has promised to provide support for its employees during this difficult time. The company’s response has been seen as an attempt to console the grieving community while also addressing the psychological and emotional toll such a tragic event has on employees who may have witnessed the shooting or been directly affected.

The Shooter: Phoenix Ikner

Phoenix Ikner, the suspect in the shooting, is a 20-year-old student at Florida State University. He is the son of Jessica Ikner, a longtime deputy with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office.

During a press conference following the incident, Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell confirmed that Phoenix Ikner was responsible for opening fire near the Student Union, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and the injuries of six others. Ikner, who had been a long-standing member of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office Youth Advisory Council, was well-known within local law enforcement circles.

Ikner’s involvement in various law enforcement-related youth programs raised questions about how an individual with such a background could become involved in such a violent act. Law enforcement officials have emphasized that they are investigating the circumstances that may have led to the shooting and are exploring whether mental health or other factors may have played a role.

Ikner was apprehended shortly after the attack and was found in possession of a handgun. Investigators later revealed that the handgun had previously been issued to his mother, Deputy Jessica Ikner, before she transitioned to a new service weapon. While the weapon was reportedly her personal firearm, it remains unclear how Phoenix Ikner gained access to it. Authorities also recovered a shotgun from Ikner’s possession, though it remains uncertain whether it was used during the attack.

The Investigation: Seeking Justice for the Victims

The Tallahassee Police Department and FSU Police have launched an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. As of now, the motive behind the attack remains unclear. Authorities have confirmed that Phoenix Ikner has refused to cooperate with investigators and has not provided any explanation for his actions.

The FBI has been called in to assist with the investigation, and FSU Police have requested that anyone with relevant information or footage from the incident come forward. The Leon County Sheriff’s Office, where Jessica Ikner has served for over 18 years, has expressed support for the investigation and for Ikner’s family, despite the deep shock and sadness caused by the tragic events.

The investigation into Phoenix Ikner’s background, his mental health, and his connection to the victims will likely play a central role in the criminal justice process moving forward. Authorities are committed to uncovering the details of the shooting, which will likely involve an in-depth look at the suspect’s history, his relationship with the victims, and any signs of potential mental distress leading up to the incident.

FSU’s Response: Grieving and Rebuilding

The Florida State University community is in mourning after the loss of two individuals in the shooting. As a university that prides itself on its academic excellence and campus safety, FSU has been forced to confront a painful truth: the safety of students, faculty, and staff cannot always be guaranteed, no matter the precautions taken.

Following the incident, FSU officials issued a statement expressing their condolences for the victims and their families. The university has provided grief support for the students and staff affected by the shooting, offering counseling services to help the community navigate this traumatic event.

A candlelight vigil was held on Friday evening, where students, faculty, and staff gathered to remember the lives of the two victims and to show solidarity with the affected families. The vigil was an emotional moment for the FSU community, as they reflected on the tragedy and expressed their commitment to honoring the victims’ memories.

Additionally, FSU Police have implemented increased security measures across the campus, with more visible patrols and safety measures in place. The university is working closely with local law enforcement to ensure that the campus remains secure, and students feel safe returning to their studies after the break.

Looking Ahead: The Need for Change

The FSU shooting has sparked conversations across the nation about gun control, campus safety, and the mental health of young adults. As the investigation into the shooting continues, it will likely lead to a broader examination of how universities and law enforcement agencies handle potential threats to safety on campuses.

The tragedy has also highlighted the importance of firearm safety and mental health awareness, particularly for individuals who may have access to weapons through family members, as was the case with Phoenix Ikner. Advocates for stronger gun regulations are using this incident to call for more comprehensive laws around gun ownership and to push for better mental health resources on campuses.

Conclusion: A Community in Mourning

The FSU shooting has left the Tallahassee community reeling from the loss of Robert Morales and the unnamed Aramark employee, both of whom were tragically killed in an act of violence that no one could have anticipated. Their deaths have devastated their families and shaken the FSU campus to its core.

The arrest of Phoenix Ikner has sparked a broader conversation about gun access, mental health, and youth violence in the U.S. As law enforcement continues its investigation, the families of the victims, along with the FSU community, are left to grapple with the aftermath of this tragedy. While justice for the victims remains a priority, the broader implications of the shooting will continue to resonate for years to come, forcing society to reevaluate its approach to gun control, mental health care, and campus safety.