Victims in FSU Shooting Identified as Aramark Employee and Campus Dining Services Employee
All surviving victims are expected to make a full recovery.
TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida State University community is reeling in the wake of a mass shooting that occurred on campus Thursday, leaving two individuals dead and several others injured. Authorities have confirmed that both deceased victims were food service workers, one employed directly by the university and the other by Aramark, the school’s contracted food services provider.
The tragic incident unfolded just before noon near a campus dining facility, sending students and staff scrambling for safety. Emergency crews responded swiftly to the scene, and eight victims in total were transported to Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) for treatment. Six of those individuals suffered gunshot wounds, while a seventh was injured while fleeing the scene. The suspected gunman, 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, also sustained injuries during the confrontation and remains hospitalized.
According to TMH officials, several patients arrived with critical injuries, including gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen. Three of the wounded required immediate surgical intervention. As of Friday morning, two patients were expected to be discharged from the hospital. Three others are in improving condition, while one remains listed in fair condition. Despite the severity of the attack, hospital staff have expressed cautious optimism that all surviving victims are expected to make a full recovery.
Victims Identified
Among those killed was Robert Morales, a long-time FSU campus dining employee originally from Miami-Dade County. Morales, who had worked at Florida State University since 2015, was described by coworkers and friends as deeply dedicated to his work and beloved by students and staff alike. He is survived by his wife and young daughter.
In a heartfelt statement posted to social media, Morales’ family shared their grief with the public:
“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.”
The second deceased victim, whose name has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin, was an employee of Aramark, the company responsible for managing FSU’s food service operations. In a written statement, an Aramark spokesperson expressed profound sorrow:
“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.”
Community and Hospital Response
Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare leadership acknowledged the overwhelming support from the community and emphasized the dedication of their emergency teams.
“We are grateful for the outpouring of support for our emergency, trauma, and nursing teams. We are honored to be the hospital providing care to these patients,” TMH said in a statement.
Mental health professionals have also mobilized in the wake of the shooting. FSU announced that counseling services will be available to students and staff throughout the week at the Askew Student Life Center, open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Suspect in Custody
The alleged shooter, Phoenix Ikner, is a current FSU student and the son of a veteran deputy with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities say the weapon used in the attack belonged to Ikner’s stepmother. Though Ikner suffered injuries during the incident, they are not considered life-threatening, and he remains under medical care and police custody.
Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell addressed the public Friday morning during a press conference, calling the incident “a heinous and despicable act of violence.”
“Our hearts are with the victims, families, students, and larger Florida State University community in the wake of this tragedy,” Revell said. “Sadly, two adult males were killed, and five others were injured by gunfire. An eighth individual sustained injuries while attempting to flee. The suspect, Phoenix Ikner, remains in custody, and the investigation remains active. We are committed to bringing justice to the victims.”
As of Friday afternoon, authorities had not released any information regarding a possible motive behind the attack. Investigators are working with campus police, federal agents, and mental health professionals to piece together the events leading up to the shooting.
Vigil and Memorial Plans
FSU President Richard McCullough has announced a candlelight vigil to honor the victims and stand in solidarity with those affected. The vigil will take place Friday evening at Langford Green, beginning at sunset.
University officials have encouraged students, faculty, and community members to attend and show their support.
“This is a time for us to come together as a community,” said McCullough. “To grieve, to remember, and to begin healing.”
As more details emerge, both local and federal law enforcement agencies continue to urge anyone with information about the shooting to come forward.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
