Latest news with #RichardMcCullough
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Yahoo
FSU kicks off spring commencement ceremonies differently, in honor of shooting victims
The Florida State University arena that usually resounds with cheers during graduation season began still and silent May 2 as everyone – graduating students, the campus community, and loved ones from both near and far – honored victims of the recent mass shooting on campus. As the university celebrated the first of its five main spring commencement ceremonies at the Tucker Civic Center with the College of Business's graduating class, the atmosphere was initially somber with the celebration coming two weeks after a gunman killed two and injured five students on FSU's campus April 17. 'Before we begin, we need to acknowledge the loss that our community has suffered,' FSU President Richard McCullough said ahead of a moment of silence. 'Multiple people were injured and many more were deeply shaken. It was a tough day in the history of Florida State University.' But as McCullough highlighted the fact that the students this spring make up the largest graduating class in FSU's history, the crowd's spirit was lifted as a powerful round of applause and shouts of excitement filled the arena. Nearly 8,700 students will be awarded degrees this semester as commencement events began May 2 and continue May 3. In an April 24 message, McCullough informed the campus community that a moment of silence would take place before each commencement "to honor Robert Morales and Tiru Chabba, whose lives were lost in the violence," and victims still recovering. The university also will have increased security measures during the graduation events this weekend, and the heightened presence of law enforcement in and around the civic center Friday reminded attendees of what happened weeks ago. The rest of the Friday afternoon ceremony flowed according to the university's regular program – from the patriotic national anthem performance and a motivational keynote speech to students turning their tassels and throwing their caps up in the air. Smiling from ear to ear, many students waved to their family and friends and made the well-known tomahawk chop gesture as they crossed the stage. Occasionally, a few members of Black Greek-letter fraternities celebrated the special moment with a quick stroll, displaying their pride while becoming an FSU alum. Nonetheless, a reference to the tragedy that recently struck FSU's campus was made by outgoing FSU Student Body President Jackson Boisvert during his speech. 'Over the last few years – and especially over this last month – that word (unconquered) has taken on a much deeper meaning,' Boisvert said. 'In a place that so many of us call our home, we were reminded just how quickly everything can change. We lost members of our FSU family. We're still mourning, still healing.' FSU graduate Hanna Siegel – who crossed the stage May 2 after majoring in finance and real estate – said she was glad a moment of silence was part of commencement, especially since she was on campus during the April 17 shooting. "It made me cry a little bit, but I thought it was really nice,' Siegel said. 'I love FSU so much that I'm coming back for my master's starting this summer. I'm gonna be here again, so I didn't get that sad.' With the May 2 afternoon class of spring 2025 being from FSU's College of Business, keynote speaker Ash Williams – vice chair of J.P. Morgan Asset Management – shared advice on the approach the students should take after graduating as they navigate the business world, and life in general. 'Don't look at the world as a single path,' said Williams, a two-time FSU alumnus. 'It's a winding road, and there are all kinds of wonderful sights to see along it, so be open to those changes. Look for places that can open doors, give you exposure and accelerate your progress.' McCullough also shared inspiring words with the students in a lighthearted address to close the commencement event, where his closing speech was made up of several music references – including singer Mac Davis's 'Stop and Smell the Roses' and Lana Del Rey's 'Ride' – to get his message across. One of his last song references was rapper Kendrick Lamar's 'tv off,' which was met with engaging cheers and laughter from students. 'He's got a line in there that says 'Got my foot up on the gas cause somebody's gotta do it,' and I listen to that all the time,' McCullough said. 'That means people depend on you to get it done, because somebody has got to do it. And you know who the people are that can do it? It's Florida State grads.' FSU's commencements are ticketed events. For information on how to watch them livestreamed, visit Tarah Jean is a reporter for the Tallahassee Democrat. She can be reached at tjean@ Follow her on X: @tarahjean_. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU spring graduations begin with moment of silence following shooting
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Yahoo
'Not an easy decision': FSU reopening student union after consulting with students
The Florida State University student union will reopen Monday afternoon - almost two weeks after it became a crime scene when a student opened fire on campus, killing two and injuring six students. A moment of reflection will be held at the union at 3 p.m. before it opens. "We want to provide the maximum number of choices for our community to decide when they want to be in the Student Union," FSU President Richard McCullough wrote in a letter to students. "The opening will be conducted with the utmost respect and care for those affected." The decision came after the university consulted with students. A video posted along with the president's message on Instagram, shows students gathering with the president in front of the building. After the president says "we are stronger together," the group shouts "We are Florida State." 'We built this place. We made it our home. It's where we study, where we laugh and catch up with our friends," a succession of students say in the video. 'Through a senseless act of violence. Someone tried to take it from us. They didn't." "We are motivated to take it back for everyone. We are reclaiming our student union for each other. For the people who we lost. For the people who came before us. And for the ones who come after.' Law enforcement has not specified exactly what transpired in the student union during the mass shooting, only saying there were multiple crime scenes inside and outside the building. Structurally, there was little damage, though many students fled and left behind iPads, phones and backpacks, which have since been recovered. McCullough shined a little more light on the situation at a Board of Trustees meeting, noting that law enforcement responders kicked in more than 300 doors around campus as they cleared and evacuated buildings. Next week is the final week of the semester on campus before graduation ceremonies, which will see increased security and a moment of silence. Here's FSU President Richard McCullough's full letter on the decision to reopen, which was made after consulting with students. "In the wake of the tragic events on April 17, I find myself reflecting on that terrible day and the needs of our community." "Our loss is immeasurable, yet amid the sorrow, we have witnessed the incredible solidarity and support from students, faculty, staff, and friends. This sense of unity is a testament to the unconquered spirit of Florida State University." "After careful consideration and listening to our students, we have decided to reopen the Student Union from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday, April 28. Please join us for a moment of reflection at 3 p.m. prior to the Union opening." "This was not an easy decision, and I know some may disagree with it. I have spoken with numerous students across all classes. Our seniors, in particular, expressed a strong desire for the Union to be open for their last week at Florida State University." "We understand the importance of the Student Union as a hub for connection, support, learning, and growth. It is crucial that we continue to offer students the services, opportunities, and communal space that foster their development and well-being." "We want to provide the maximum number of choices for our community to decide when they want to be in the Student Union. The opening will be conducted with the utmost respect and care for those affected. No employees or volunteers will be required to be present or will be required to return to the Student Union until they are ready. More information for employees who work in the Student Union is forthcoming." "We are committed to providing a space where individuals are honored, and where the needs of the majority are balanced with sensitivity toward individual experiences. Those who are ready to return are invited to join us at the Student Union on Monday." "Those who don't feel comfortable can return when they are ready. Everyone will heal at their own pace and feel differently about being in that space. We will announce additional operating hours this week. We are considering the needs of the entire student body and campus community as we take this step forward." "Together, we will continue to reflect, heal, and move forward. We are Florida State." "Sincerely, Richard McCullough FSU President" This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida state reopening student union after mass shooting
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Yahoo
Florida State University shooting: What we know about victims, classes, suspect Tuesday
Memorials of flowers, balloons, stuffed animals and heartfelt messages lined the sidewalks and steps of the Florida State University campus in Tallahassee Monday as classes resumed four days after a gunman went on a shooting rampage that killed two and left six injured in less than five minutes. FSU President Richard McCullough was on hand to greet and comfort students returning to campus. "Yeah, I mean, it's emotional," he said. "Students are doing fine. Everybody I've talked to, they seem to be doing fine. They don't seem to be scared, which is good. But, you know, still, still reeling and emotional from what happened. "So I think, you know, having classes today was the right thing to do. A lot of the seniors told me that they would have felt very bad if we would have not had the option of them coming back, because it would have been the shooting and then graduation." The upcoming week of classes is the last before finals. In a statement Saturday night after backlash erupted over plans to open the campus Monday, McCullough said that classes would resume as scheduled, remote options would be available for many courses and attendance policies would be waived for students who weren't ready to come back. Many professors have give students the option to freeze their grades and made finals optional. They also made it so that coursework and tests after the shooting can only help students' grades. Five of the victims from the mass shooting Thursday at Florida State University in Tallahassee that left two dead and six injured have been released, officials at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare said Tuesday. The sixth was listed in good condition. None of the victims have been identified, but one, Madison Askins, 23, gave an interview over the weekend and described how she pretended to be dead to avoid getting shot again. On Thursday, April 17, Tallahassee police say FSU student Phoenix Ikner, the stepson of a Leon County Sheriff's deputy, used his mother's firearm to gun down students and adults before being shot and subdued by law enforcement. Here's what we know about the shooting as of Tuesday, April 22. Piper Greisl, an FSU undergraduate, described the two hours of waiting in a room with a heap of chairs barricading the door and the American flag used to cover the door's window in an essay for The Tallahassee Democrat. About 25 people were huddled up against the walls of the room, she said, while she, the professor, and four boys stood waiting, holding metal water bottles and trying to decipher the noises from outside and the floor above. "There was a safe word that campus police would say when evacuating rooms, but it was sent to the entire university through FSU Alert texts," Greisl said. "We were scared, we were anxious, and we wanted to survive. What would happen if a shooter knew the safe word?" On Monday, the Tallahassee Police Department said in a Facebook post that an FSU student dropped off cookies and a heartfelt note over the weekend, thanking them "for your bravery and courage." "It's unimaginable what students, faculty, and staff experienced that day," the post said. "To the FSU community: Our hearts and prayers remain with you. We're HERE for you. We stand with you. Always." Phoenix Ikner, the stepson of a Leon County sheriff's deputy, is the suspected shooter in an attack at Florida State University on Thursday, April 17, that killed two and injured six. Police say Ikner waited for an hour in an FSU parking garage and then opened fire at the FSU Student Union at 11:50 a.m. The university sent out an alert to students and faculty at 12:01 p.m. as law enforcement from multiple agencies quickly descended on the campus. Ikner was eventually shot by law enforcement and taken to the hospital. He is believed to have acted alone, according to Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell. Students were released from a shelter-in-place request after law enforcement cleared the campus. The shooting claimed the lives of Robert Morales, an FSU employee and high school football coach, and Tiru Chabba, 45, a married father of two from South Carolina, who was at FSU on a work-related visit. One of the victims, Madison Askins, 23, told CBS Evening News in an interview from her hospital bed that she "played dead" to avoid being shot again by Ikner. "The minute I got shot, I remember my parents telling me I just need to play dead, I didn't want him to shoot me again, God forbid it," Askins told a CBS reporter in an interview from her hospital bed at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. 'I just need to play dead': Florida State University student on surviving campus shooting A vigil held on campus Friday afternoon drew thousands to honor the victims. On Easter Sunday, students packed the pews for Easter Mass. Tallahassee police provided a timeline of the April 17 shooting at Florida State University. 11 a.m.: Phoenix Ikner arrives at an FSU parking garage. 11: 51 a.m.: Phoenix Ikner leaves the parking lot. 11:56 or 11:57 a.m.: Phoenix Ikner fires the first shot, then walks in and out of buildings and green spaces, firing a handgun. 11:58 a.m.: 911 calls report a male actively shooting on FSU campus. Nearby police officers respond. By 12 p.m.: Phoenix Ikner is shot by responding officers and taken into custody. Robert Morales, the university's dining coordinator, was one of the two people shot and killed during the mass shooting that shook the university and community. Aside from his dining service work, Robert was a long-time special teams coach for Leon High School's football program and a partner in local favorite Gordos Cuban Cuisine. The second victim in the April 17 mass shooting at FSU has been identified as Tiru Chabba, 45, of Greenville, South Carolina. Chabba was identified via email by The Strom Law Firm, retained by the family to "ensure that all those who bear responsibility for this senseless act of violence are held to account." Chabba was on the FSU campus Thursday as an employee of a campus vendor when he was shot and killed by Phoenix Ikner. He is survived by his wife and two children. Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil said the shooter was 20-year-old FSU student Ikner, the stepson of Leon County Deputy Jessica Ikner. Born Christian Gunnar Eriksen, Ikner changed his name when he was 15 following a troubled childhood marked by decades-long custody battles between his parents. Ikner's biological mother spent about five months in jail after taking him against his will to Norway. Phoenix Ikner said that with his new name, he had hopes of rising from the 'ashes' of his childhood. Ikner attended Lincoln High School and was a long-standing member of the 2021-22 Leon County Sheriff's Office Youth Advisory Council as a high school junior. Sheriff Walt McNeil said Phoenix was 'steeped in the Leon County Sheriff's Office family.' Jessica Ikner, a middle school deputy, practiced shooting with her stepson, though "not in an official capacity," according to the Leon County Sheriff's Office. Deputy Ikner is currently on personal leave and is being reassigned, an LCSO spokesperson said. "Unfortunately, her son had access to one of her weapons, and that was one of the weapons found at the scene. We are continuing our investigation as to how that weapon was used and what other weapons perhaps he may have had access to," McNeil said during a press conference. As of Tuesday morning, April 22, Ikner is still hospitalized after being shot by law enforcement. Ikner faces a long list of charges, including first-degree murder, once he is released and transferred to the county jail. Ikner's motive is still unknown. "The suspect invoked his rights not to speak to us," Revell said at Thursday's press conference. According to USA TODAY, students who knew Ikner were horrified but "weren't shocked given things he had said publicly." In the aftermath of the shooting on Thursday, people who knew Ikner said he had a history of espousing radical conspiracy theories and hateful ideas. The president of a student politics club said Ikner 'espoused so much white supremacist rhetoric' that they booted him from the group. By the time Ikner had enrolled in Tallahassee State College last year in 2024, other students said he was expressing extremist conspiracy theories and hateful ideas and was once kicked out of a "political round table" club for what one student claimed was frequent white supremacist and far-right rhetoric. The suspected FSU gunman held a fascination with Hitler, Nazis and other hate groups, according to screenshots of his online activity captured by the Anti-Defamation League. Ikner used a drawing of Hitler as a profile photo for an online gaming account. For the name of another account, the 20-year-old used 'Schutzstaffel,' the name of the ruthless 'SS' paramilitary group that started out as Hitler's personal bodyguard, grew into death squads and ran the concentration camps where millions of Jews were murdered. More: New records show suspected FSU shooter had troubling fascination with hate groups The Miami Herald reported that Ikner was cracking jokes about getting a good night's rest after taking a hit to the head in an online chat for students in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at FSU and Tallahassee State College. After another student suggested he get hit again to cancel it out, Ikner replied, "Twice the head trauma, twice the power. I'm evolving." The FSU shooting occurred nearly 26 years to the day of one of the deadliest, most infamous school shootings: the attack and attempted bombing at Columbine High School in Colorado. On April 20, 1999, two 12th-grade students murdered twelve students and one teacher, the deadliest mass shooting at a K-12 school in history to that point. The Columbine High School massacre has been the inspiration for dozens of copycat shooters, several of whom specifically planned for the anniversary. Florida State University is located in the state's capital, Tallahassee. It is found in the middle of the Panhandle between Jacksonville and Pensacola. The main campus of Florida State University is officially located at 600 W College Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32306. According to LCSO, Ikner acted alone during the shooting, despite online rumors of multiple shooters. A video has gone viral across social media showing someone walking past a wounded, bleeding woman lying face down on the grass. Rather than stopping to help or even running away from an active shooter, as what sounds like two shots are fired in the background, the person walks by while sipping from a Starbucks cup. While officials believe the video is authentic, the Tallahassee Democrat is not running the video due to its graphic content and because it has not been verified as real or related to the FSU shooting. See reactions: Viral video after FSU shooting seems to show person sipping coffee while passing wounded victim The FBI has set up a tip line for anyone with information about the shooting that happened at FSU. Anyone with video or audio media related to the incident can upload it here. A GoFundMe has been set up to assist in Askins' recovery. Donate here: (This story was updated with new information.) Contributing: William Hatfield, Arianna Otero, Jim Rosica, Jeff Burlew, Ana Goñi-Lessan, Alaijah Brown, Elena Barrera, Brittany Misencik, Gregg Pachkowski, Mollye Barrows of USA TODAY Network – Florida and Michael Loria of USA TODAY. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU shooting: What we know about victims, suspect, classes resuming
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'We understand': FSU announces new options after student criticism on Monday start
In the face of student criticism about classes resuming Monday, four days after the mass shooting, Florida State University President Richard McCullough announced new options for students for the end of the semester Saturday night. "For some students that may mean not going back into the classroom," he wrote in his second note to students, teachers and staff in 12 hours. "For others, the idea of community and gathering, as well as the opportunity to focus on academics, may be beneficial." Noting that there is "no single right answer for everyone," McCullough said the university wants "everyone to receive the support and help they need." "We understand this is a difficult time for everyone," he wrote. "We have been working through a number of complex and challenging issues over the past few days. We appreciate your patience." Under the updated plan, classes will still resume Monday with a remote option for many courses, though it may not be possible for some classes like labs. More information will be provided by instructors Monday evening. The university has also waived all mandatory attendance policies. "Students: If you decide not to attend classes this week, we understand," he wrote. "If you decide not to attend classes, please contact your instructor about how to complete any required coursework." Students can also request an incomplete grade if they can't complete a course at this time. He also spoke directly to faculty and instructors, telling them more information will be coming via a separate email later from the provost. "Please review your course materials and provide your students the options appropriate for your class as soon as possible, ideally before the next class meeting, but no later than Monday evening," he wrote. "If your class is going to be delivered remotely, be sure to post that information through email and your Canvas course site." He also asked teachers to update their gradebooks with students' current grades as soon as possible. The email advises students to reach out to their instructors next week if they have questions. If their circumstances can't be accommodated, students can reach out to the Department of Student Support and Transitions at DSST@ or call 850-644-2428 "We will do everything possible to accommodate your needs. Thank you again for your patience as we work through this difficult and challenging time together." Within minutes of posting, the university's update on Instagram garnered a dozen comments like "thank you for listening." Florida State University students slammed the administration after President Richard McCullough announced earlier April 19 that the Tallahassee campus would reopen the following Monday – just four days after a gunman killed two people and injured six at the student union. "Thanks for giving us a week off for snow (in January) and one day off for a mass shooting. You guys really care," one person commented on the school's Instagram post. Another said, "ARE YOU SERIOUS??? I RAN FOR MY LIFE AND NOW I HAVE TO GO BACK A FEW DAYS LATER????" In his letter to the campus community, McCullough said he understood "it won't feel like a normal week." "It's the last one before finals, and many of you are still processing what happened," he said. "Please take care of yourself. If you need time or support, reach out. Students should contact their instructors for help with classwork or accommodation. Faculty and staff should connect with their dean or supervisor. No one should go through this alone." That didn't soothe Camilya Sanders, a graduate social work student and staff member at the FSU Testing Center in University Center C. She was working there when the shooting happened about a mile away. Sanders, who is from Miami, said her friend's professor didn't push back a recorded class video assignment after the shooting. "It's kind of hard to believe that we truly are going to be able to get more time to process what has happened, to grieve and to kind of focus on ourselves when it's just 'go back to class' and normal operations," Sanders told the Tallahassee Democrat in a phone interview. She hadn't yet reached out to her professors, but said "I'm doing terrible right now and I know a lot of other people around me are just the same. They're devastated, they're shocked, they're heartbroken." She said she did reach out to the School of Social Work but hasn't yet heard back. "It's like, 'Oh, I'm sorry that you went through this and here are some resources, but you still have to go to class and work on Monday and finish out the rest of the semester.' I think that's inappropriate," Sanders said. When reached for comment, FSU spokesperson Amy Patronis emphasized that McCullough said teachers and administrators would be flexible with students or employees who "need accommodations or are not ready to return." But Alessandra Borges, an undergraduate student studying political science, law and philosophy, wrote an Instagram direct message to the Democrat that she "never" wants to hear McCullough "speak about the 'FSU family' again." "As a student in HCB, the building right across from the Student Union, and I have barely slept without remembering the sound of gunshots, the sounds of students screaming, and the sight of blood on the walkways," she wrote. All of her classes are in HCB and Bellamy near the union, "but they expect us to go back to those same classrooms" where she heard the first gunshot, and "where I called my family and boyfriend sobbing to say 'I love you,' not knowing if it would be the last time." In a video posted moments after this story published, McCullough said "like many of you I am still grieving." He made it clear that professors and supervisors have been instructed to be "flexible and accommodating." "Many of you are still processing what happened. We understand that. And we understand that some of you may not be able to return on Monday. It's okay. It's okay. We will be flexible and find a way to accomodate you. I promise." Students who need mental health support should reach out to our Counseling & Psychological Services team at (850) 644-TALK (8255). In addition, the Victim Advocate Program provides free, confidential, and compassionate assistance to FSU students. Call 24/7 (850) 644-7161, text (850) 756-4320 or email Victims-Advocate@ Employees who need assistance should contact EAP at (850) 644-2288 for free, professional counseling services. William Hatfield contributed to this story. Jim Rosica, the Tallahassee Democrat's news director, can be reached at jrosica@ Follow him on X: @JimRosicaFL. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida State announces new class options after criticism, shooting
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Yahoo
Florida State resuming classes on Monday, just days after tragic shooting on campus
The Brief Florida State University President Richard McCullough announced on Saturday that classes will be resuming on Monday. This announcement came just days after the horrific shooting that killed two people and injured six others. TALLAHASSEE - Florida State students will be heading back to class just days after the horrific shooting that killed two people and injured six others. University President Richard McCullough announced that classes will resume on Monday while acknowledging the recent tragic events in a post on X on Saturday morning. The backstory On Thursday, a gunman opened fire on the Florida State campus. The two people that died were identified as 57-year-old Robert Morales and 45-year-old Tiru Chabba. Authorities confirmed that Morales had been working in FSU's dining services department for the past nine years. READ: Lakeland student describes suspected FSU shooter At the end of McCullough's post on X, he urged students to use the counseling services at school. What they're saying "Students who need mental health support should reach out to our Counseling & Psychological Services team at (850) 644-TALK (8255)," he wrote. "In addition, the Victim Advocate Program provides free, confidential, and compassionate assistance to FSU students. Call 24/7 (850) 644-7161, text (850) 756-4320 or email Victims-Advocate@ The Source Information for this story was provided by Florida State University President Richard McCullough. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
