2018 Parkland High School Shooting

On February 14, 2018, at approx. 2:21 PM, shortly before school dismissal, Nikolas Cruz, 19, entered Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. He used an Uber as his transportation to the school. Cruz was a former student at the school and was expelled for disciplinary issues. He had known behavioral problems and a history of mental health concerns. Cruz had posted disturbing content online prior to the shooting. After entering the school, he pulled the fire alarm to cause confusion and armed with a Smith & Wesson M&P15 and a Semi-automatic AR-15-style rifle, he opened fire. He moved from floor to floor, firing over 150 rounds in under 6 minutes. Cruz wore a backpack containing ammunition and smoke grenades.

After his reign of terror, he fled on foot, blending in with fleeing students. Cruz was arrested at approx. 3:41 PM, about 1.5 miles away. Overall, he was arrested without incident.

Cruz confessed to the shooting during police interrogation. In October 2021 he pled guilty to 17 counts of murder & 17 counts of attempted murder.

In November of 2022, Cruz was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The jury could not unanimously agree on the death penalty.

Victims (fatalities)

Scott Beigel, 35 — geography teacher

Aaron Feis, 37 — football coach

Chris Hixon, 49 — athletic director

Alyssa Alhadeff, 14

Martin Duque Anguiano, 14

Jaime Guttenberg, 14

Cara Loughran, 14

Gina Montalto, 14

Alaina Petty, 14

Alex Schachter, 14

Luke Hoyer, 15

Carmen Schentrup, 16

Joaquin Oliver, 17

Nicholas Dworet, 17

Helena Ramsay, 17

Meadow Pollack, 18

Peter Wang, 15 — posthumously awarded military honors for helping others escape.