Families in Parkland, Florida were recently struck with an unexpected tragedy. On Wednesday, February 14, 17 people were killed and more were injured during a mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Nikolas Cruz was charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder and is currently being held without bond at the Broward County Jail.

Cruz was a former student at the school who was expelled last year for disciplinary reasons. Students and faculty at the school had experienced issues with Cruz in the past for reportedly showing off his guns and having an affinity for violence. Officials are investigating Cruz’s social media, looking for possible motives. Months ago, the FBI received warnings about a YouTube comment, made under Cruz’s name, that referenced a school shooting. The shooting left many parents around the country worried for their own children.

“No parent should ever have to send their kids to school and have them not return,” Broward County Public Schools Superintendent, Robert Runcie said. “We’ve got to find a way for this to stop.”

All 17 victims have been identified. Among the victims, 14 were students and three worked at the school. Crowds arrived in large numbers at the Pine Park Trail in Parkland to honor the victims during a vigil. The Broward sheriff’s office is accepting donations through their official GoFundMe page.

Noah Lynch

News Editor