Florida State University’s main campus in Tallahassee is still closed after a “heinous crime” took the lives of two people and left six others injured April 17. A suspect, the 20-year-old son of a Leon County deputy, was shot by campus police when he didn’t respond to commands to surrender, according to Tallahassee police.
Now a campus community is trying to find a path toward healing after becoming America’s latest mass school shooting. FSU President Richard McCullough said the school will reopen Monday, April 21.
Here’s what’s happening today (This blog will be updated throughout the day. Refresh your browser for the most recent updates):
Capital City Pedicabs offering free rides
12:53 p.m. – Mike Goldstein, operator of Capital City Pedicabs, told the Tallahassee Democrat he is “offering free rides all weekend.”
You can check him out online at capitalcitypedicabs.com, as well as on Facebook and @ccpedicabsllc for X and Instagram.
FSU student barricaded themselves in classroom with belts, chair
11:39 a.m. – The Tallahassee Democrat’s Ana Goñi-Lessan
has a story about a Florida State ROTC student who hid in a Bellamy Building classroom during the shooting, wrapping her belt around the door knob and propping a chair under it.
When she first she heard shots, she said she though it was a roofing hammer because of all the campus construction.
Soon they were on their phones, “talking to people in their other classes, talking to people in clubs and student organizations, just everyone reaching out and trying to figure out what was going on, and then trying to figure out and make sure everyone was OK,” Rebecca Roberson said.
GoFundMe launched for Robert Morales, killed in FSU shooting
11:04 a.m. – A verified GoFundMe fundraiser for Robert Morales, one of the victims killed in the FSU shooting, was closing in on its $90,000 goal as of midday Saturday.
Its top contributor so far ($2,500) was Mike Norvell, head coach of FSU’s football team, and wife Maria.
“This fund has been established by friends and colleagues of Betty Morales, the wife of Robert Morales, one of the victims of the senseless shooting on the campus of Florida State University on Thursday, April 17th,” it says. “Robert leaves behind a wife and daughter. We invite you to help us provide financial assistance to the Morales family as they navigate the road ahead.”
More: ‘Big heart’: Family, friends identify one victim of FSU shooting as Robert Morales
Organizer Jami Bond posted: “Thank you for the all of the love and support for Robert’s family. All of the donations go directly to Robert’s wife Betty & their daughter. Please continue to share & keep Robert’s family in your thoughts and prayers.”
The GoFundMe is at www.gofundme.com/f/robert-morales-fsu-shooting-victim.
FSU President McCullough issues Saturday statement on social media
10:47 a.m. – Florida State University President Richard McCullough posted a statement Saturday, April 19, on his X account (@PresMcCullough) in which he again promised the campus community that the university would be “here for you.” McCullough also noted that this upcoming week of classes was the last before finals; “classes and business operations will resume Monday”:
“Dear FSU Family, our hearts are heavy after the tragedy that took place April 17. We are grieving with the families and friends who lost someone they love. And we are with all those who were injured and are now recovering. This has shaken all of us, and I want you to know: We are here for you.
“Classes and business operations will resume Monday, April 21. I know it won’t feel like a normal week. It’s the last one before finals, and many of you are still processing what happened. Please take care of yourself. If you need time or support, reach out. Students should contact their instructors for help with classwork or accommodation. Faculty and staff should connect with their dean or supervisor. No one should go through this alone.
“Support is here: Students who need mental health support should reach out to our Counseling & Psychological Services team at (850) 644-TALK (8255). In addition, the Victim Advocate Program provides free, confidential, and compassionate assistance to FSU students. Call 24/7 (850) 644-7161, text (850) 756-4320 or email [email protected]. Employees who need assistance should contact EAP at (850) 644-2288 for free, professional counseling services.
“We will get through this by leaning on each other. FSU is strong because of its people — and I believe in this community with all my heart.”
Flags lowered this weekend for FSU victims
10:35 a.m. – Gov. Ron DeSantis called for flags across Florida to be lowered to half-staff Friday, April 18 to Monday, April 21, after the mass shooting at FSU.
“In memory of the lives lost in this tragedy and to recognize the bravery shown by the first responders, I hereby direct the flags of the United States and the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff at all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout the State of Florida,” the governor said in a memo released by his office.
Read the full story here. (From April 18)
—Alaijah Brown
Association issues statement on FSU deaths
10:21 a.m. – The National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) released the following statement on behalf of President and CEO Robert Nelson. The two victims killed in the April 17 shooting on FSU’s campus were “campus dining professionals,” the group said:
“Nothing can prepare a campus or community for a sudden act of life-changing violence like that which occurred at Florida State University this week. The impact extends across an entire community and, indeed, across an industry. Robert Morales and Tiru Chabba, both beloved husbands, fathers, and leaders in their field, were gunned down in the course of peacefully doing their jobs—jobs of service feeding college students and supporting the dining staff and students who worked under their leadership.
“We are heartbroken and devastated by their loss and extend our deepest condolences to all who knew and loved them. We pray for recovery and healing for all those who have been hospitalized, injured, or otherwise affected. To our friends and colleagues at every level of campus dining, our hearts also go out to you, as this tragedy extends well beyond Tallahassee.
“Campus dining professionals are often called on to do the impossible without much thanks, and, as some of the most dedicated and generous people you could meet, they find a way to get it done. We couldn’t be more proud of their important work, which, though often behind the scenes, is essential. We know that for many of our friends across the industry, that work just got harder.
“We look forward to a future in which tragedies like this are no longer part of our shared reality. Until then, NACUFS stands in sorrow and solidarity with all those affected.”
Sheriff’s office holds ‘healing’ event
10 a.m. – The Leon County Sheriff’s Office, which was drawn in to the recent shooting on FSU’s campus after one of its member’s sons was accused, will hold an “ALLin to H.E.L.P.” day today (Saturday, April 19). It stands for “Heal, Empower, Love, Prevent.”
The event is 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Springfield Apartments, 1700 Joe Louis St. in Tallahassee. There will be vendors and raffle prizes. It’s free and open to all.
“The LCSO Kindness Campaign is an initiative designed to cultivate a culture of compassion and positive engagement within our community and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO),” its website says. “Our campaign aims to celebrate the profound quality of kindness, with an emphasis on individual acts of kindness.
“Through this initiative, we seek to not only reduce crime rates, discrimination, and workplace stress but also enhance overall morale and unity. We encourage citizens and employees alike to embody acts of generosity, consideration, and support, renewing our commitment to being genuine in our words and actions.”
For more information about the event, call 850-224-8422.
