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FSU Students Recount Harrowing Campus Shooting
Tallahassee, FL – A deadly shooting at Florida State University left two individuals dead and several wounded, sending shockwaves through the campus community. In the aftermath of the Thursday tragedy, two Florida State University students shared their terrifying experiences, with one survivor recalling the assailant’s chilling words: “Keep running.” The incident unfolded at the heart of the FSU campus, sending students scrambling for safety and prompting a swift response from law enforcement.
Victims Identified in FSU Campus Tragedy
Family members and representatives have identified the two fatalities from the Thursday attack. Robert Morales, a Florida State University dining coordinator and former assistant football coach at Leon High School, was among those killed. The second victim was Tiru Chabba, 45, a regional vice president for Aramark Collegiate Hospitality, a vendor providing dining services on the university grounds.
University Mourns, President Addresses Community
Several others sustained injuries in the Thursday midday violence at the Tallahassee institution, according to authorities. The suspect, identified as a student, reportedly opened fire near the student union. Florida State University President Richard McCullough addressed the grieving community at a Friday vigil, stating, “This kind of tragedy that shouldn’t happen, not here, not anywhere. We are heartbroken.”
Student Survivor Recounts Gunman’s Chilling Words
Terrifying Moments at Student Union
Madison Askins, a graduate student in urban and regional planning at FSU, was en route to the student union for lunch with a friend when the sound of gunfire erupted. The student union is a central hub on campus, housing a food court, meeting spaces, and offices for various student organizations.
“Play Dead” Decision Amidst Chaos
Askins described fleeing, but tripping and falling to the ground. Her friend assisted her up, but moments later, she was struck by gunfire in the buttocks. She fell again and made the conscious decision to “play dead” to avoid further harm.
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Confrontation with the Gunman
Askins recounted contemplating contacting her parents, fearing she might not survive. “I started to spiral a little bit,” she admitted. However, she refrained from calling when she became aware of the gunman standing directly over her. “I remember him saying, ‘Yeah, keep running,’” Askins stated, detailing the chilling encounter.
Reloading and Rescue
“I heard the shooter come up next to me, and I heard him reload,” she added, emphasizing the terrifying proximity. “There was a clip at my feet when everything was said and done.” An officer eventually reached Askins, providing immediate aid. “She packed my wound, she stood over me, and she kept an eye on the surroundings,” Askins recalled.
Emotional Impact Over Physical Pain
Askins explained that the overwhelming emotions, including the thought of never seeing her family again, overshadowed the physical pain of the gunshot wound. “I hadn’t cried once about the wound,” Askins disclosed. “This gunshot wound is nothing to me in the grand scheme of things.” Doctors have advised leaving the bullet in place initially to allow healing before considering removal.
Accountability and Moving Forward
Addressing the suspect’s background, Askins commented, “Do I think it’s 100% his mother’s fault? No. He’s a grown adult. He’s 20 years old. I hope it’s something that he will live with forever.”
Another Student’s Near Miss and Friend’s Injury
Initial Confusion and Flight
Sage Toussaint, a 20-year-old psychology and premed junior, was inside the student union with a companion, heading towards the Starbucks counter, when gunshots echoed through the building late Thursday morning. “I was 15 feet away from him and I didn’t think it was real,” she explained. “I thought it was a flash mob or a student production or something.”
Friend Shot, Lockdown Ensues
Toussaint described fleeing the scene, while her friend remained “just standing there in shock.” Once outside, Toussaint searched for her friend and contacted her by phone. Her friend answered, revealing she had been shot. “All I heard was her screaming and crying, so I just ran,” Toussaint recounted. She sought refuge in the nearby Leach Center, a campus recreation facility, joining a yoga class group already sheltering in a restroom. They remained in lockdown for nearly two hours until SWAT team members secured the area and evacuated them, Toussaint said.
Friend’s Recovery and Return to Campus
Toussaint reported that her friend is currently recovering and may be discharged from medical care in the coming days. After being released from the Leach Center, Toussaint returned home, a three-hour drive away. Despite the traumatic events, she expressed her intention to return to campus on Monday, adding, “If we still have class,” highlighting the uncertainty following the campus shooting incident.