A gunman opened fire at Florida State University (FSU) just before noon on Thursday, leaving two dead and six injured. The shooter was also shot and injured by police authorities confirmed.
Victims identified include Robert Morales, a university employee who was meeting with colleagues when the shooting started, and Tiru Chabba, 45, an employee of a campus vendor. Morales’ brother Ricardo confirmed his identity to The Washington Post.
Five people were injured by gunfire, not including the gunman, while a sixth suffered injuries while fleeing. Six people remain hospitalized with gunshot wounds, according to Brett M. Howard, a surgeon at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare.
Authorities say all victims and the shooter are expected to survive. The gun used in the shooting was allegedly a handgun previously owned by the suspect’s mother.
Police investigation revealed that the suspect had access to weapons due to a loophole allowing law enforcement staff to buy guns when their firearms are upgraded. FSU student Aidan Stickney witnessed the shooter with a shotgun, which jammed, before using a handgun.
However, motive behind the shooting remains unclear as the suspect invoked his right not to speak to investigators. Reactions from politicians and advocates include President Donald Trump’s call for Second Amendment protection, while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis promised to bring the suspect to justice.
Gun-control advocate Gabrielle Giffords expressed horror at surviving a previous school shooting and called for stricter measures. FSU students and officials expressed shock and heartbreak following the tragic event.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/04/18/florida-state-university-shooting-what-to-know