Florida State University rocked by campus shooting, officials investigate motive behind violent attack
Authorities report a tragic shooting incident that shook Florida State University’s Tallahassee campus on Thursday afternoon. Panic erupted as a gunman opened fire near the Student Union around lunchtime, forcing students and parents to hide in freight elevators and bowling alleys inside the building.
- Two people killed, six others injured during lunchtime shooting
- Suspect identified as 20-year-old FSU student, Phoenix Eicher
- Shooter used his mother’s former service weapon
- Officers confronted suspect, shot him after non-compliance
- Victims include university staff, not students
- Motive remains unknown as investigation continues
Investigators have identified the suspect as Phoenix Eicher, a 20-year-old enrolled student at the university. When approached by officers, Eicher failed to follow commands, prompting them to open fire. Police confirmed he was wounded and is expected to survive.
According to the Tallahassee Police Chief, Eicher is the son of a local sheriff’s deputy. He carried out the attack using his mother’s former service firearm. Officials are still working to determine the shooter’s intent behind the deadly assault.
Of the two individuals who died, neither were students. One victim, Roberto Morales, aged 57, was an employee in the university’s dining services department. His brother confirmed that Roberto had a deep love for his job, his wife, and his daughter. He was the son of Ricardo “Monkey” Morales, a controversial Cuban-American CIA operative from the 1960s and 70s.
Authorities plan to release further information about the victims as the investigation continues. The FSU community remains in shock as questions about safety, motive, and emotional recovery begin to surface.
“A shooting at Florida State University left two dead and six injured. The suspect, a 20-year-old student, was wounded by police. The motive is unknown. Victims include staff, not students, and the campus remains shaken by the violence.”