Lawyers for the bereaved FSU shooting victim's kin urge openness and disclosure.
FSU Shooting: Family's Demand for Transparency Amidst Unanswered Questions
It's a somber atmosphere on the Florida State University (FSU) campus as attorneys for the family of Tiru Chabba, one of the two men tragically killed during a mass shooting last month, call for a transparent investigation. National civil rights attorney Bakari Sellers of Strom Law led a press conference on Wednesday, asking for answers and closure.
Tiru Chabba, a 45-year-old father from Greenville, South Carolina, was working as an employee for a campus vendor when the shooting occurred at FSU. He left behind a loving wife and two heartbroken children. According to Sellers, "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."
Sellers thanked law enforcement, Governor Ron DeSantis, university officials, and FSU President Richard McCullough for their support. However, the family is seeking accountability, motive, and information on how the shooter obtained the firearm. Sellers expressed, "We want to know why, and we want to see accountability from the university to prevent such tragedies in the future."
FSU President McCullough has assured that the university is fully cooperating with law enforcement and is equally eager for the truth to come out, stating, "We share the family's anger, we share their desire for answers."
The other victim of the shooting was identified as Robert Morales, also a father and food service employee at FSU. Six other victims are expected to make a full recovery. The suspect identified in the shooting is Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old student at FSU. Ikner reportedly obtained the firearm from his stepmother's personal collection, which included a former service weapon that she had kept as a personal handgun.
Ikner was involved in a longstanding custody dispute, had been part of the Leon County Sheriff's Office's youth advisory council, and participated in various training programs. The investigation is ongoing, and charges are not expected until Ikner is discharged from the hospital.
[1] - Phoenix Ikner is the stepson of Deputy Jessica Ikner, who has served with the department for over 18 years.[2] - Phoenix Ikner obtained the firearm from his stepmother's personal collection, which included a former service weapon.[3] - Ikner was armed with a handgun and a shotgun during the incident.[4] - Phoenix Ikner was part of the Leon County Sheriff's Office's youth advisory council and training programs.
[1] In the investigation of the FSU shooting, it's worth noting that the suspect, Phoenix Ikner, is the stepson of Deputy Jessica Ikner, a veteran of the department with over 18 years of service.
[2] The weapon used by Phoenix Ikner in the fatal shooting at FSU was obtained from his stepmother's personal collection, which also included a former service weapon that she had kept as a personal handgun.
[3] During the incident at FSU, Phoenix Ikner was armed with a handgun and a shotgun.
[4] Prior to the shooting, Phoenix Ikner was a participant in the Leon County Sheriff's Office's youth advisory council and various training programs.
