By Sheri-kae McLeod
(Source: Caribbean National Weekly)
The family of Tiru Chabba, one of the two people killed in Thursday’s mass shooting at Florida State University (FSU), has retained civil rights attorney Bakari Sellers of The Strom Law Firm, along with attorney Jim Bannister, as they seek justice and accountability for the deadly attack.
Chabba, 45, of Greenville, South Carolina, was working on campus as an employee of a university vendor when he was fatally shot. Authorities say 20-year-old FSU student Phoenix Ikner opened fire near the student union shortly before noon, killing Chabba and 57-year-old FSU dining coordinator Roberto Morales, and wounding six others.
“Tiru Chabba’s family is going through the unimaginable now,” Sellers said in a statement. “Instead of hiding Easter eggs and visiting with friends and family, they’re living a nightmare where this loving father and devoted husband was stolen from them in an act of senseless and preventable violence.”
Chabba leaves behind a wife and two children.
Sellers called on the public to keep the family in their prayers as they “fight to ensure they see justice that honors the memories of Mr. Chabba and all the victims of Thursday’s shooting.” The Strom Law Firm has not yet disclosed what legal steps may be taken or who the potential defendants might be.
The second victim, Morales, was a longtime FSU staff member who was remembered by family as a “trusted coach” and “cherished friend.” His brother shared a tribute on X, formerly Twitter, writing, “He loved his job at FSU and his beautiful Wife and Daughter. I’m glad you were in my Life.”
The six others injured in the attack, including students, were taken to a local hospital and are expected to fully recover, according to Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare officials.
Ikner, identified as the stepson of a Leon County sheriff’s deputy, was reportedly using his stepmother’s former service weapon in the attack. He was shot by campus police and taken into custody, authorities said.
The investigation remains ongoing.