The Facts.
17 have been confirmed dead and 14 others were wounded, five of whom had life-threatening injuries.
This afternoon at 2:30pm at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida Nikolas Cruz, a 19-year old man, opened fire.
Parkland was named Florida’s safest city last year.
The shooter is confirmed to have been a former student, who had been expelled for disciplinary reasons. He was currently enrolled in another school close by. He also had a job at the local Dollar Tree.
It is believed that he was armed with an AR-15 style semi automatic rifle and had multiple magazines.
A fire alarm sounded right before shots were fired. Authorities believe this was a way to lure the students and faculty out of the classrooms.
Many students have come forward with knowledge about Cruz. One claimed he would show off and brag about shooting his guns. Also mentioning that he would threaten to bring the guns to school. Another student claimed that he had always had the sense something was unusual with Cruz.
His social media also depicted pictures of knives and guns. Many posts were said to be very disturbing.
Police officers are also always present at the school and were even during this tragedy.
Law enforcement responded shortly before 3:00pm.
The school will be closed for the remainder of the week.
This shooting is among the 10 deadliest mass shootings in modern history.
What you should do in a similar situation on a college campus according to college campuses around the US.
-Don’t assume it won’t happen at your school because you will end up unprepared.
-Be aware of your surroundings.
-Have a plan of action.
-If you notice anyone showing signs or suggesting ideas that may be threatening to themselves or others, report them immediately.
-If you are in a dangerous situation, hide, run, or fight back.
What to do now
-Educate yourself on laws, regulations, and policies
-Reach out to lawmakers and your representatives to make a change
Facts and Photos:
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/police-respond-shooting-parkland-florida-high-school-n848101
https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/14/us/florida-high-school-shooting/index.html