FLORIDA — There was a mass shooting at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland on Wednesday. According to Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel, 17 people are dead and several more are wounded.
12 deceased victims were found inside the high school, 2 were outside the building, 1 person was along the street, and 2 people died at the hospital.
The shooter fled on foot but was later captured. He has been identified as 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz, a former student at the school.
Officials say Cruz was wearing a gas mask and was armed with an AR-15 and multiple magazines when he entered the school and opened fire—Cruz also reportedly had smoke bombs.
The alleged gunman is cooperating with investigators who believe he pulled fire alarms in order to draw children out of their classrooms.
There was a massive police response in the area, including a SWAT team. The FBI and ATF were also responding.
The school was placed on lockdown. Although, some students and staff were seen fleeing from the building.
President Donald Trump “has been made aware of the school shooting in Florida. We are monitoring the situation. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected,” the White House said.
A motive for the massacre was not known.
Video posted online appeared to show the chaotic scene inside classrooms
[WARNING: FOOTAGE IS DISTURBING]
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Extremely disturbing footage of Florida school shooting aftermath
WARNING: GRAPHIC pic.twitter.com/Rkqt1FF7D5
— T. Grant Benson (@GrantB911) February 15, 2018
House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) issued the following statement:
“This is an unspeakable tragedy. It is nothing short of true evil to attack innocent children. While we now wait to learn more, we are so grateful to law enforcement and all those who brought this horror to an end. Let us all keep the victims in our hearts. A long night lies ahead for many families. Right now, the whole country is standing with the Parkland community.”
At least 5 injured after shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland
LATEST: https://t.co/pxezUW1UOL pic.twitter.com/z98wsUAxPY
— WSVN 7 News (@wsvn) February 14, 2018
#BREAKING: A shooting has occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. https://t.co/xJpqSkic1U
— WSVN 7 News (@wsvn) February 14, 2018
Students/Teachers #Douglas High School Remain barricaded inside until police reach you.
— Coral Springs Police (@CoralSpringsPD) February 14, 2018
#BSO is working a developing incident regarding a report of active shooter located at 5901 Pine Island Rd, Parkland. Here’s what we know so far: deputies are responding to reports of a shooting at Stoneman Douglas High. There are reports of victims. PIO will be on scene 3:15pm.
— Broward Sheriff (@browardsheriff) February 14, 2018
Avoid the area of Stoneman Douglas HS. #BSO is currently working a developing incident regarding a report of active shooter.
— Broward Sheriff (@browardsheriff) February 14, 2018
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