On Wednesday, February 15, Nicholas Cruz opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High, injuring and killing over 20 people. Most of the victims are reportedly students, however, one shooting victim is currently believed to be a teacher.
Cruz was detained by police and was arrested on 47th NW Drive in Parkland, Florida.
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.”
Cruz is being transported to a Broward Health North in Pompano Beach.
Who Is Nicholas Cruz?
Nicholas Cruz is described as being 5″8″, with red hair and freckles.
At this time, it is being reported that he is a former student of the school, with some initial reports, identified Cruz as a “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.
via The Miami Herald:
The Broward County School District Superintendent, however, told reporters on Wednesday afternoon that he did not know of any concerns raised about the student.
“We received no warnings,” Superintendent Robert Runcie told reporters outside the school. “Potentially there could have been signs out there. But we didn’t have any warning or phone calls or threats that were made.”
As for Gard, he said he believes the school administration earlier sent out an e-mail warning teachers that the student had made threats against others in the past and that he should not be allowed on the campus with a backpack.
Another student interviewed on the scene by WSVN-7 said the student had guns at home and talked about using them.
About Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School is located in Parkland, Florida. It is a part of the Broward County Public School district, and it is the only public high school in Parkland. Stoneman Douglas has an FCAT school grade of “A” for the 2016–2017 academic year.
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School was named after the Everglades environmentalist Marjory Stoneman Douglas. The school opened in 1990 with students in grades 9 though 11, most of whom transferred from nearby schools Coral Springs High School and J. P. Taravella High School. The first senior class graduated in 1992.
A school shooting occurred at the campus on February 14, 2018, leaving at least 20 people injured. The shooter is reportedly still at large.