TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida State University students are heading back to Tallahassee for the first day of classes on Monday, marking a significant moment for the campus community.
But excitement is mixed with uncertainty and heavy hearts. On April 17, a campus shooting shook the university, killing two people and injuring six others.
The victims were Tiru Chabba, an executive for food service vendor Aramark, and Robert Morales, a university dining coordinator.
The accused shooter, 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, is awaiting trial in November on two counts of first-degree murder and seven counts of attempted first-degree murder. Prosecutor are seeking for the death penalty.
RELATED: FSU’s class of 2025 prepares for record-setting graduation amid heartbreak from tragic shooting in April | She was resting in a hammock on the FSU campus when she first heard gunshots. Panic, confusion and pain followed
Samuel Salib, a sophomore neuroscience major, recalls the day vividly as the spring semester was nearing its end.
“I was in the lab, and when we got the alerts on our phone and the text messages, I remember running upstairs and we ran into a small like office,” he said.
In the aftermath, vigils and memorials filled the campus with flowers and balloons.
Security has increased across FSU, a change Salib noticed even during summer classes.
“I feel pretty safe going back to campus,” Salib said. “I’ve noticed there’s increased police presence and the community has been very supporting.”
He also noted new safety measures in classrooms.
“I noticed that some classes started implementing alarms in between them,” he said. “I’m assuming for any other incidents like that to be able to alert the school more quickly and promote quicker lockdown.”
In a message to incoming freshmen, FSU President Richard McCullough emphasized community values, which says, in part:
“Here we treat one another with kindness and respect, engage in thoughtful dialogue and value the free exchange of ideas. We take care of ourselves and look out for each other.”
Salib remains optimistic about the future.
“Go ‘Noles, we’re the best. We’re going to make it through, no matter what,” Salib said.
As students return, News4JAX will have coverage from Tallahassee throughout Monday to follow the Seminole community’s progress.