Nikolas Cruz and the 2018 Parkland Mass Shooting
The Attack
On February 14, 2018, Nikolas Cruz carried out one of the deadliest school shootings in United States history. Armed with a semi-automatic AR-15 rifle, Cruz entered Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, and opened fire on students and staff. The attack lasted approximately six minutes, leaving 17 people dead and 17 others wounded. This tragedy shocked the nation and sparked widespread debates over gun control, mental health, and school safety.
Background
Nikolas Jacob Cruz was a former student at the school, expelled due to disciplinary problems prior to the shooting. Despite warnings and red flags regarding his behavior, he was able to legally purchase firearms. On the day of the massacre, Cruz took an Uber to the school, entered the freshman building, and moved floor to floor shooting indiscriminately.
Victims
Seventeen lives were lost that day, including both students and staff members. Each victim is remembered for their unique life and the tragedy of their loss:
- Alyssa Alhadeff, 14 – student
- Scott Beigel, 35 – geography teacher and coach
- Martin Duque Anguiano, 14 – student
- Nicholas Dworet, 17 – senior, swimmer with a college scholarship
- Aaron Feis, 37 – assistant football coach, former student
- Jaime Guttenberg, 14 – student
- Chris Hixon, 49 – athletic director and wrestling coach
- Luke Hoyer, 15 – student
- Carina Diaz Hoeth, 16 – student
- Meadow Pollack, 18 – student
- Helena Ramsay, 17 – student
- Alex Schachter, 14 – student, marching band member
- Carmen Schentrup, 16 – National Merit Scholar semifinalist
- Peter Wang, 15 – JROTC cadet who died helping others
- Alaina Petty, 14 – student
- Gina Montalto, 14 – student, winter guard member
- Joaquin Oliver, 17 – student
...Read More
Account
