TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The family of Tiru Chabba, a victim of a recent mass shooting at Florida State University, is seeking more information regarding the circumstances surrounding his death. During a press conference held Wednesday on the university’s campus, attorney Bakari Sellers emphasized the family’s need for clarity about the shooter’s intentions and how he obtained the firearm used in the tragic incident.
Sellers articulated the family’s call for a comprehensive and transparent investigation, highlighting the importance of understanding the events that led to the shooting. “Transparency is crucial for the healing process and to prevent similar tragedies, not only in Florida but across the nation,” he said.
Chabba, who was from Greenville, South Carolina, was working as an employee for Aramark Collegiate Hospitality when the shooting occurred on April 17. He was not the only life lost that day; Robert Morales, the university’s dining coordinator, was also killed, while six others sustained injuries.
The shooter, identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, reportedly fired a handgun during lunchtime before being apprehended by police after being shot. As the investigation unfolds, the Chabba family has expressed frustration over the lack of communication from law enforcement since their devastating loss.
Sellers noted that aside from being informed of Chabba’s death, the family has had limited interactions with authorities. “We laid to rest a remarkable individual last week, yet our inquiries have gone largely unanswered. We urge for a thorough investigation into what transpired,” he said.
While discussions about potential legal action have arisen, Sellers stated that the family prefers to wait for more information before deciding on any legal recourse. The emotional toll of losing a loved one in such circumstances has left the family yearning for answers.
Community members have also been affected by the incident, grappling with the implications of gun violence on campus and the safety of their environment. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on securing justice and ensuring that this type of violence does not recur.
In the wake of the tragedy, calls for legislative action regarding gun control have gained traction, with advocates stressing the need for systemic changes to enhance safety in public spaces. The Chabba family, alongside many others, hopes that this incident serves as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue and reform.