Florida State University’s main campus in Tallahassee is still closed after a “heinous crime” took the lives of two people and left six others injured April 17. A suspect, the 20-year-old son of a Leon County deputy, was shot by campus police when he didn’t respond to commands to surrender, according to Tallahassee police. Now a campus community is trying to find a path toward healing after becoming America’s latest mass school shooting.
Here’s what’s happening today:
Association issues statement on FSU deaths
10:21 a.m. – The National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) released the following statement on behalf of President and CEO Robert Nelson. The two victims killed in the April 17 shooting on FSU’s campus were “campus dining professionals,” the group said:
“Nothing can prepare a campus or community for a sudden act of life-changing violence like that which occurred at Florida State University this week. The impact extends across an entire community and, indeed, across an industry. Robert Morales and Tiru Chabba, both beloved husbands, fathers, and leaders in their field, were gunned down in the course of peacefully doing their jobs—jobs of service feeding college students and supporting the dining staff and students who worked under their leadership.
“We are heartbroken and devastated by their loss and extend our deepest condolences to all who knew and loved them. We pray for recovery and healing for all those who have been hospitalized, injured, or otherwise affected. To our friends and colleagues at every level of campus dining, our hearts also go out to you, as this tragedy extends well beyond Tallahassee.
“Campus dining professionals are often called on to do the impossible without much thanks, and, as some of the most dedicated and generous people you could meet, they find a way to get it done. We couldn’t be more proud of their important work, which, though often behind the scenes, is essential. We know that for many of our friends across the industry, that work just got harder.
“We look forward to a future in which tragedies like this are no longer part of our shared reality. Until then, NACUFS stands in sorrow and solidarity with all those affected.”
Sheriff’s office holds ‘healing’ event
10 a.m. – The Leon County Sheriff’s Office, which was drawn in to the recent shooting on FSU’s campus after one of its member’s sons was accused, will hold an “ALLin to H.E.L.P.” day today (Saturday, April 19). It stands for “Heal, Empower, Love, Prevent.”
The event is 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Springfield Apartments, 1700 Joe Louis St. in Tallahassee. There will be vendors and raffle prizes. It’s free and open to all.
This blog will be updated throughout the day. Check back for periodic updates.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Live updates: Tallahassee still reeling, recovering after FSU shooting