The shooter behind the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida has been identified as Nicholas Cruz.
What happened?
On Wednesday, February 15, Cruz opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High, reportedly injuring and killing 20 people, mostly students, although one shooting victim is currently believed to be a teacher.
At this time, Cruz is believed to be detained in police custody. Reportedly, he was arrested on 47th NW Drive.
Who Is Nicholas Cruz?
He is described as being 5″8″, with ginger, red hair and freckles. According to different reports, his surname is given as both “Cruise” or “Cruz.” He is also believed to be 19 years of age.
At this time, it is believed that he is a former student of the school; some reports identified him as an “alternative” and “problematic” student. According to initial reports, he was seen covered by a gas mask, also wearing a black hat, pants and a dark brown shirt.
According to some reports, Cruz could be seen and heard “yelling, kicking and talking to himself” while in police custody. This had lead to speculation on social media that he had some form of mental illness.
According to The Miami Herald, a teacher identified as Jim Gard, who said Cruz had been in his class last year, have the following statement:
“We were told last year that he wasn’t allowed on campus with a backpack on him…There were problems with him last year threatening students, and I guess he was asked to leave campus.”
Superintendent Robert Runcie also gave the following statement according to the same publication:
“We received no warnings…Potentially there could have been signs out there. But we didn’t have any warning or phone calls or threats that were made.”