On April 17, 2025, a quiet day on Florida State University’s campus turned into a scene of tragedy when a gunman opened fire near the student union. Two men lost their lives and six others were injured before authorities detained the suspect. The victims were later identified as Robert Morales from Miami-Dade County and Tiru Chabba from Greenville, South Carolina — both fathers, both deeply connected to the campus and their communities.
Robert Morales, a Florida State alumnus, had spent nearly a decade as the university’s dining coordinator. He wasn’t just an employee—he was known for creating a sense of home for students far from theirs. A South Florida native, he brought his love for Cuban cuisine into the heart of Tallahassee. As co-founder of Gordos Cuban Cuisine and CEO of the Black Bean Food Group, Morales had a reputation for innovation and warmth. He was known to go the extra mile, like when he worked with chefs to create allergen-free meals for a student with dietary restrictions.