Florida State University shooting: Here's what we know about suspect, victims Friday

This article was updated to include new information.

The stepson of a Florida sheriff's deputy is suspected to be the gunman in an  attack at Florida State University  Thursday morning that killed two and injured six .

According to Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Vice President and Chief Communications Officer Stephanie Derzypolski, three victims improved to "good" condition, and one remains in "fair" condition.

"All classes on the main Florida State University campus in Tallahassee are cancelled Thursday, April 17 and Friday, April 18 due to a shooting at the Student Union," FSU said in an alert Thursday evening. "Employees should check with their supervisors to determine if they are essential personnel and for further reporting instructions."

It also added the Student Union and the surrounding area is still considered an active crime scene, asking the public and campus community to avoid the area.

"We are heartbroken. We are grieving with the families, friends, and loved ones of those who were lost," FSU President Richard McCullough said in an open letter . "We are holding close those who are injured, and we are standing by everyone who is hurting."

Here's what we know about the shooting as of Friday, April 18.

See live updates: Vigil planned to honor victims of FSU shooting. Here's how victims are doing

FSU shooting vigil held on campus Friday, victims honored

Students, faculty and community members gathered for a vigil Friday on FSU's campus to honor the victims of Thursday's shooting that killed two and injured six.

➤ FSU vigil: Community gathers after campus shooting that killed 2, injured more

FSU shooting timeline

Tallahassee police provided a timeline of the April 17 shooting at Florida State University .

• 11 a.m.: Phoenix Ikner arrives at an FSU parking garage.

• 11: 51 a.m.: Phoenix Ikner leaves the parking lot.

• 11:56 or 11:57 a.m.: Phoenix Ikner fires the first shot, then walks in and out of buildings and green spaces, firing a handgun.

• 11:58 a.m.: 911 calls report a male actively shooting on FSU campus. Nearby police officers respond.

• By 12 p.m.: Phoenix Ikner is shot by responding officers and taken into custody.

Tiru Chabba: Victim killed in FSU shooting identified

The second victim in the April 17 mass shooting at FSU has been identified as Tiru Chabba, 45, of Greenville, South Carolina.

Chabba was identified via email by The Strom Law Firm, retained by the family to "ensure that all those who bear responsibility for this senseless act of violence are held to account."

Chabba was on the FSU campus Thursday as an employee of a campus vendor when he was shot and killed by Phoenix Ikner.

He is survived by his wife and two children.

The other victim killed in Thursday's shooting was Robert Morales , FSU's dining coordinator, football coach for Leon High School and partner in a Tallahassee restaurant.

Phoenix Ikner's stepmother practiced shooting with him at firing range

Jessica Ikner, a middle school deputy, practiced shooting with her son, Phoenix Ikner , though "not in an official capacity," according to the Leon County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Walt McNeil said  Phoenix was "steeped in the Leon County Sheriff's Office  family."

He served on the agency's Youth Advisory Council and "being the son of law enforcement, meant he was constantly exposed to firearm safety," LCSO spokesperson Shonda Knight said.

Jessica Ikner is currently on personal leave and is being reassigned,  "sensitivity of the matter and to make sure she is properly acclimated under the circumstances," Knight said.

FSU shooting victim identified as Robert Morales

One of the victims killed in Thursday's shooting on the Florida State University campus has been identified.

Robert Morales was the university's dining coordinator when he was shot and killed in the mass shooting.

Morales' brother shared the news on X , writing, ""Today we lost my younger brother," he posted. "I'm glad you were in my life."

Morales was a special teams football coach for Leon High School and a partner in the Tallahassee restaurant Gordos Cuban Cuisine.

Gordo's owner, Eddie Argamonte, called the shooting "a horrible, senseless tragedy."

Where is Florida State University located?

Florida State University is located in the state's capitol, Tallahassee. It is found in the middle of the Panhandle between Jacksonville and Pensacola.

The main campus of Florida State University is officially located at 600 W College Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32306.

When, where did the FSU shooting occur?

A gunman, later  identified by police as Phoenix Ikner , opened fire at the FSU Student Union at 11:50 a.m.

The university sent out an alert to students and faculty at 12:01 p.m. as law enforcement quickly descended on the campus.

"An active shooter has been reported in the area of Student Union. Police are on scene or on the way. Continue to seek shelter and await further instructions. Lock and stay away from all doors and windows and be prepared to take additional protective measures," the initial alert read.

Ikner was eventually shot by law enforcement and taken to the hospital. He is believed to have acted alone, according to Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell.

Who is Phoenix Ikner? What to know about suspect in FSU shooting

Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil said the shooter was a 20-year-old FSU student and the stepson of a Leon County deputy.

"Unfortunately, her son had access to one of her weapons, and that was one of the weapons found at the scene. We are continuing our investigation as to how that weapon was used and what other weapons perhaps he may have had access to," McNeil said during a press conference.

Ikner attended Lincoln High School and was a long-standing member of the 2021-22 Leon County Sheriff's Office Youth Advisory Council as a high school junior. 

According to USA TODAY , students who knew Ikner were horrified but "weren't shocked given things he had said publicly."

What was the motive behind Phoenix Ikner's shooting?

Ikner's motive is still unknown.

"The suspect invoked his rights not to speak to us," Revell said at the press conference.

How many shooters were involved in FSU shooting?

According to LCSO, Ikner acted alone during the shooting, despite online rumors of multiple shooters.

How many people died in FSU shooting? How many injured?

McNeil confirmed during a Thursday press conference that two people were dead and six others were hospitalized.

Derzypolski said three victims improved to "good" condition, and one remains in "fair" condition.

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare will be holding a press conference at 1 p.m. at the hospital's auditorium.

Viral video shows girl sipping Starbucks while walking past body. Is it real?

A video has gone viral across social media showing someone walking past a wounded, bleeding woman lying face down on the grass. Rather than stopping to help or even running away from an active shooter, as what sounds like two shots are fired in the background, the person walks by while sipping from a Starbucks cup.

While officials believe the video is authentic, the Tallahassee Democrat is not running the video due to its graphic content and because it has not been verified as real or related to the FSU shooting. 

See reactions: Viral video after FSU shooting seems to show person sipping coffee while passing wounded victim

Who were the victims of 2025 Florida State University shooting?

As of Friday, law enforcement has not identified the victims but said the two killed were not students. The surviving student victims were listed in fair condition.

Ikner was also shot and taken to a local hospital.

Which FSU buildings are still closed after the shooting? How to get belongings

"The following buildings are currently CLOSED: Student Union, Bellamy, HCB Classroom Building, Rovetta A&B, Moore Auditorium, Shaw, Pepper, Strozier and Dirac Libraries, Hecht House and Carraway. Individuals should not return to these buildings to retrieve personal property at this time. Individuals are free to move about other areas of campus," an alert for FSU said late Thursday.

The campus community will be able to retrieve personal belongings from select campus buildings between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, April 18. Be prepared to produce a photo ID to claim your belongings. 

If your belongings were left in another campus building not on this list, or if you are unable to retrieve your belongings on Friday, please call 850-644-4444 between to 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to schedule assistance.  

Where can FSU students go for counseling, support after shooting?

The university will open a Support Center at the Askew Student Life Center from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, April 18.

Counseling and Victim's Advocate services will be available, and staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide assistance.

Vigil planned for FSU shooting victims Friday, April 18

Florida State University will hold a vigil for the victims at 5 p.m. Friday, April 18, at Langford Green in front of the Unconquered Statue.

FBI announces tip line for anyone with information, videos of FSU shooting

The FBI has set up a tip line for anyone with information about the shooting that happened at FSU.

Anyone with video or audio media related to the incident, can  upload it here.

Contributing: William Hatfield,  Arianna Otero , Jim Rosica , Jeff Burlew , Ana Goñi-Lessan , Alaijah Brown , Tallahassee Democrat

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU shooting: What we know about Phoenix Ikner, victims so far