OUR OTHER TOP STORY THIS MORNING. CLASSES SET TO RESUME TODAY AT FLORIDA STATE. JUST FOUR DAYS AFTER LAST WEEK’S DEADLY MASS SHOOTING ON CAMPUS. THIS COMES AS THAT SCHOOL COMMUNITY TRIES TO COME TO TERMS WITH THEIR GRIEF. THE TWO VICTIMS HERE HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED. WE’VE GOT THEIR PICTURES ON SCREEN. 45 YEAR OLD TIM RUTH, HUSBAND AND FATHER OF TWO, AND ROBERT MORALES, AN FSU GRADUATE WHO WORKED ON CAMPUS AS A DINING COORDINATOR AND HAD PREVIOUSLY COACHED FOOTBALL AT A NEARBY HIGH SCHOOL. SIX OTHER PEOPLE WERE HURT. ONE WAS SENT HOME FROM THE HOSPITAL OVER THE WEEKEND, AND HOSPITAL STAFFERS SAY THE FIVE OTHERS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION. POLICE HAVE IDENTIFIED 20 YEAR OLD PHOENIX EICHNER AS THE ALLEGED GUNMAN. COURT DOCUMENTS REVEAL A TUMULTUOUS CHILDHOOD, INCLUDING A CUSTODY BATTLE BETWEEN HIS BIOLOGICAL PARENTS, HIS STEPMOM IS A LEON COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPUTY. ALL RIGHT. AND SOME STUDENTS ARE RAISING CONCERNS OVER RETURNING TO CLASS TODAY, SOME SAYING IT’S JUST TOO SOON. I DON’T I DON’T WANT TO GO BACK. I THINK IT’S ALMOST LIKE A SLAP IN THE FACE. I DON’T KNOW HOW LONG IT’S GOING TO TAKE, BUT I REALLY I DON’T THINK I’M PREPARED TO GO BACK TO CLASS. HOW CAN I GO BACK TO CLASS AFTER THAT, LIKE NEXT MONDAY? I HAVE TO GO BACK TO THAT SAME CLASS. I DON’T FEEL SAFE RIGHT NOW BEING ON CAMPUS. I DON’T KNOW WHERE HOW WE’RE GOING TO DO IT, BUT, YOU KNOW, THERE’S A REASON THAT FLORIDA STATE IS UNCONQUERED. WE’RE STRONGER TOGETHER. WE WILL ALWAYS MOVE FORWARD, WHATEVER THAT LOOKS LIKE. SO FSU IS REALLY JUST A FEW WEEKS AWAY FROM FINALS AND THE GRADUATION CEREMONY, WHICH IS IN EARLY MAY, LIKELY CONTRIBUTING TO THE UNIVERSITY’S DECISION. BUT FSU PRESIDENT RICHARD MCAULIFFE SAYS HE DOES NOT EXPECT ALL STUDENTS TO BE BACK IN THE CLASSROOM TODAY. HE POSTED ON X THAT REMOTE CLASSES WILL BE AVAILABLE WHERE IT MAKES SENSE FOR CLASSES THAT CAN’T GO REMOTE, LIKE LABS. PROFESSORS ARE SUPPOSED TO RELEASE ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS TO STUDENTS. BY TONIGHT. MCAULIFFE ALSO WRITING QUOTE, STUDENTS IF YOU DECIDE NOT TO ATTEND CLASSES THIS WEEK, WE UNDERSTAND THE UNIVERSITY HAS WAIVED ALL MANDATORY ATTENDANCE POLICIES THAT AFFECT YOUR GRADE. STUDENTS WHO FEEL THEY CANNOT COMPLETE A COURSE AT THIS TIME WILL HAVE THE OPTION TO REQUEST AN INCOMPLETE GRADE. THE UNIVERSITY IS ALSO OPENING SEVERAL MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF. OF COURSE, AS WE FIND O
Florida State University resuming classes after mass shooting; students express concerns
Classes and regular operations at Florida State University are set to resume on Monday. However, students have voiced concerns following a recent mass shooting on campus. Related: 2 dead, 6 injured at Florida State University shootingOn Thursday, a 20-year-old student opened fire on campus, killing two men and injuring six other victims. Related: Florida State University shooting suspect: Who is Phoenix Ikner? Campus operations were immediately canceled through Friday. But FSU President Richard McCullough announced they will resume on Monday. “I know it won’t feel like a normal week,” FSU President Richard McCullough wrote in a statement. “It’s the last one before finals, and many of you are still processing what happened.”Some students believe it’s just too soon. “I think it’s almost like a slap in the face,” one student said.FSU is just a few weeks away from finals and the graduation ceremony, which is in early May, likely contributing to the university’s decision.”I don’t feel safe right now being on campus. I don’t know where, how we’re gonna do it, but you know, there’s a reason that Florida State is unconquered. We’re stronger together. We will always move forward, whatever that looks like,” another student said. Although classes are officially resuming Monday, McCullough said he does not expect all students to be back in the classroom.McCullough posted on X that remote classes will be available where it makes sense. For classes that can’t go remote, like labs, professors are supposed to release alternative options to students by tonight. Related: What we know about the shooting at Florida State UniversityThe two men killed in the shooting were identified as:Tiru Chabba, 45, a husband and father of two.Robert Morales, an FSU graduate who worked on campus as a dining coordinator.McCullough said those who don’t feel ready to to return to class right now will not be penalized. The university has waived all mandatory attendance policies that affect students’ grades.”Students who feel they cannot complete a course at this time will have the option to request an incomplete grade,” McCullough wrote.The university is also opening several mental health services for students and staff.
Classes and regular operations at Florida State University are set to resume on Monday. However, students have voiced concerns following a recent mass shooting on campus.
Related: 2 dead, 6 injured at Florida State University shooting
On Thursday, a 20-year-old student opened fire on campus, killing two men and injuring six other victims.
Related: Florida State University shooting suspect: Who is Phoenix Ikner?
Campus operations were immediately canceled through Friday. But FSU President Richard McCullough announced they will resume on Monday.
“I know it won’t feel like a normal week,” FSU President Richard McCullough wrote in a statement. “It’s the last one before finals, and many of you are still processing what happened.”
Some students believe it’s just too soon.
“I think it’s almost like a slap in the face,” one student said.
FSU is just a few weeks away from finals and the graduation ceremony, which is in early May, likely contributing to the university’s decision.
“I don’t feel safe right now being on campus. I don’t know where, how we’re gonna do it, but you know, there’s a reason that Florida State is unconquered. We’re stronger together. We will always move forward, whatever that looks like,” another student said.
Although classes are officially resuming Monday, McCullough said he does not expect all students to be back in the classroom.
McCullough posted on X that remote classes will be available where it makes sense. For classes that can’t go remote, like labs, professors are supposed to release alternative options to students by tonight.
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As we prepare to resume classes and business operations, we understand that some of you may not be ready to return. We will be flexible. If you need time, or support, please reach out to one of the many services we have available. We are here to help. pic.twitter.com/WObeY6oNY4
— FSU President Richard McCullough (@PresMcCullough) April 19, 2025
Related: What we know about the shooting at Florida State University
The two men killed in the shooting were identified as:
- Tiru Chabba, 45, a husband and father of two.
- Robert Morales, an FSU graduate who worked on campus as a dining coordinator.
McCullough said those who don’t feel ready to to return to class right now will not be penalized. The university has waived all mandatory attendance policies that affect students’ grades.
“Students who feel they cannot complete a course at this time will have the option to request an incomplete grade,” McCullough wrote.
The university is also opening several mental health services for students and staff.
