TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – One of the students shot outside the Florida State Student Union last April has reached an out-of-court settlement with the university, her attorney confirms.
The settlement will allow Reese Gourley to finish her degree at FSU at no cost to her, her attorney Carrie Roane said Monday.
“From the outset of our involvement in this case, Ms. Gourley has shown tremendous strength and courage in her continued pursuit of a degree from her beloved University, FSU,” Roane said in a statement. “In light of Florida law limiting damages against FSU to the total amount of just 300k for all claims of the victims, we felt that this amicable, out-of-court settlement achieved Ms. Gourley’s goal of finishing her university education at no cost to her.”
WCTV has reached out to FSU for comment on the settlement.
Two men, FSU’s Dining Director Robert Morales and food service vendor Tiru Chabba, were killed and several others, including Gourley, were shot and injured on April 17, 2025.
Multiple killed, injured after shooting at Florida State University
Phoenix Ikner is accused of opening fire that day.
He is scheduled to stand trial June 8, 2027, on murder and attempted murder charges and could face the death penalty if convicted.
Court records show Ikner communicated extensively with ChatGPT in the days, hours and minutes leading up to the shooting, including asking about the busiest times at FSU’s Student Union and how to turn off the safety on a shotgun.
Gourley’s attorney says her out-of-court settlement with FSU comes as her federal lawsuit against ChatGPT is still pending.
“Now, she’s able to focus on her ongoing case against ChatGPT, whom we believe bears much greater culpability,” Roane said.
To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Nextdoor and X (Twitter).
Have a news tip or see an error? Write to us here. Please include the article’s headline in your message.
Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here to get started.
Copyright 2026 WCTV. All rights reserved.