Parkland High School Shooting

Overview

• Date: February 14, 2018
• Location: Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Parkland, Florida
• Perpetrator: Nikolas Jacob Cruz (19 years old)
• Casualties: 17 killed, 18 injured
• Weapon Used: Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II semi-automatic rifle

Incident Details

• The shooting lasted approximately 6 minutes.
• Cruz was dropped off by an Uber at 2:19 p.m.
• He entered Building 12 at around 2:21 p.m.
• Fire alarm activated due to gunshot reverberations.
• Cruz attempted to blend in with fleeing students post-shooting and was arrested at 3:41 p.m. in Coral Springs.

Victims

Killed on First Floor

• Alyssa Miriam Alhadeff (14)
• Martin Duque Anguiano (14)
• Nicholas Paul Dworet (17)
• Aaron Louis Feis (37)
• Christopher Brent Hixon (49)
• Luke Thomas Hoyer (15)
• Gina Rose Montalto (14)
• Alaina Joann Petty (14)
• Helena Freja Ramsay (17)
• Alexander Logan Schachter (14)
• Carmen Marie Schentrup (16)

Killed on Third Floor

• Scott J. Beigel (35)
• Jaime Taylor Guttenberg (14)
• Cara Marie Loughran (14)
• Joaquin Oliver (17)
• Meadow Jade Pollack (18)
• Peter Wang (15)

Injured

• Ashley Baez (15)
• Anthony Borges (15)
• Isabel Chequer (16)
• Justin Colton (14)

(Additional names continue)

Perpetrator Background

• Cruz had a history of behavioral issues and disciplinary actions.
• Previously expelled from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
• Held disturbing "extremist" views and posted concerning content online.
• Purchased the AR-15 legally.
• Pleaded guilty to all charges.

Legal Proceedings

• Cruz was sentenced to life in prison without parole after the jury was deadlocked on the death penalty.
• Families of victims received settlements from both the school district and federal government.

Response and Reactions

• The shooting invoked widespread calls for gun control.
• Students founded the advocacy group Never Again MSD.
• Florida passed new gun control measures including age restrictions and background checks.
• Criticism was directed at law enforcement, particularly the Broward Sheriff's Office, for their response.

Political and Social Impact

• Prompted major national conversations on gun control and school safety.
• Led to the "March for Our Lives" movement advocating for stricter gun laws.
• The NRA and gun rights were scrutinized; some companies cut ties with the NRA.

Memorial and Aftermath

• The building where the shooting occurred was eventually demolished.
• Victims were commemorated and honored posthumously.
• Survivors and families launched campaigns and lawsuits to address gun violence and school safety.