Family of FSU Shooting Victim Demands Transparency and Accountability
The family of Tiru Chabba, a 45-year-old father of two tragically killed in a mass shooting at Florida State University (FSU) last month, is seeking answers and accountability from both the criminal justice system and the university itself. Attorneys representing the Chabba family held a press conference on the FSU campus Wednesday, emphasizing the need for a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Chabba’s death and the events that led to the horrific incident.
Bakari Sellers, a nationally recognized civil rights attorney from Strom Law, led the press conference alongside his colleagues, Jim Bannister and J Robert Bell III. Their primary goal, Sellers explained, was to convey the Chabba family’s deep gratitude for the outpouring of support they have received while simultaneously pressing for a comprehensive investigation.
"The reason we’re here today is because the Chabba family just wants individuals to know their heartfelt sense of gratitude, but also we’re asking for a thorough and transparent investigation," Sellers stated, highlighting the family’s belief that such an investigation is “necessary for healing.”
Tiru Chabba, a dedicated employee of a campus vendor, was working on the FSU campus when the mass shooting erupted just before noon on April 17th. Described as a loving father from Greenville, South Carolina, his sudden and violent death has left his wife and two children grappling with unimaginable grief.
Sellers poignantly captured the family’s pain, saying, "Losing a father, having children, and you can’t explain why. When your dad goes on a work trip, they’re supposed to come home." This simple yet powerful statement underscores the devastating and senseless nature of the tragedy.
The attorneys representing the Chabba family expressed their appreciation for the swift response and support from law enforcement, Governor Ron DeSantis, and FSU President Richard McCullough. Sellers noted that President McCullough’s attendance at Chabba’s funeral last week was a gesture of significant comfort to the grieving family.
While acknowledging the support received, the Chabba family is adamant about securing accountability on multiple fronts. They are seeking justice through the criminal process, demanding clarity on the shooter’s motive, and seeking answers as to how the shooter obtained the firearm.
However, their pursuit of accountability extends beyond the individual responsible for the violence. The Chabba family is also urging Florida State University to examine its own policies and procedures. "We’re looking for accountability from the university to see what, if anything, they could have done to prevent it or prevent these things from happening in the future," Sellers emphasized.
The university administration has responded to the family’s call for transparency and cooperation. President Richard McCullough, in a statement to Fox News Digital, expressed his deep empathy and commitment to understanding the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
"I and everyone else at Florida State share the family’s grief," McCullough said. "We share their anger. We share their desire for answers. I can assure you Florida State University is fully cooperating with law enforcement, and we too look forward to the day when all the facts are known."
The other victim of the mass shooting was identified as Robert Morales, another devoted father and food service employee. Morales is survived by his wife and daughter, who are also experiencing profound loss and grief.
In addition to the two fatalities, six other individuals were injured during the shooting. Hospital officials have confirmed that all six are expected to make a full recovery, bringing a glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy.
Authorities have identified the suspect as Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old FSU student. Troublingly, investigators believe Ikner armed himself with a handgun that was the former service weapon of his stepmother, a Leon County Sheriff’s Office deputy. This revelation has added another layer of complexity to the investigation, raising questions about the security and accessibility of firearms.
Tallahassee police officers confronted Ikner during the shooting and ultimately shot and wounded him after he reportedly refused to comply with their commands. Ikner is currently hospitalized, and charges are not expected to be filed against him until he is released.
The mass shooting at Florida State University has deeply shaken the campus community and the broader Tallahassee area. The grief and trauma experienced by the families of Tiru Chabba and Robert Morales are immeasurable, and their pursuit of justice and accountability reflects a determination to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and the Chabba family’s call for transparency and accountability underscores the importance of a comprehensive and unbiased examination of all relevant facts. The answers they seek, along with the university’s commitment to cooperation and self-reflection, will be crucial in helping the community heal and move forward. The focus now rests on providing support to the victims and their families, uncovering the truth behind the events of April 17th, and implementing measures to enhance safety and prevent future violence on the FSU campus and beyond. The Chabba family’s unwavering pursuit of justice serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of gun violence and the urgent need for meaningful change.
