Nikolas Cruz

Cruz was born to Brenda Norma Woodard (June 25, 1956 – August 23, 2021){{Cite web |date=December 15, 2018 |title=School shooter Nikolas Cruz: A lost and lonely killer - Sun Sentinel |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/parkland/florida-school-shooting/fl-florida-school-shooting-nikolas-cruz-life-20180220-story.html |access-date=June 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215223631/https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/parkland/florida-school-shooting/fl-florida-school-shooting-nikolas-cruz-life-20180220-story.html |archive-date=December 15, 2018 }}{{cite web |last=Anderson |first=Curt |date=September 5, 2018 |title=Cruz biological mother's past a factor in school shooting |url=https://apnews.com/a0c694780e4d4337a43c00814438b763 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905231430/https://apnews.com/a0c694780e4d4337a43c00814438b763 |archive-date=September 5, 2018 |website=Associated Press}} on September 24, 1998, in Margate, Florida. His biological father's identity is unknown. Nikolas was placed in an orphanage after his birth and was adopted by Roger and Lynda Cruz. Both adoptive parents died before Cruz finished high school: Roger died at age 67 on August 11, 2004; and Lynda at age 68 on November 1, 2017. Cruz was fully orphaned three months before the shooting.{{Cite news |date=March 10, 2018 |title=Red flags: The troubled path of accused Parkland shooter Nikolas Cruz |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2018/national/timeline-parkland-shooter-nikolas-cruz/ |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=May 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211013010008/https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2018/national/timeline-parkland-shooter-nikolas-cruz/ |archive-date=October 13, 2021}} Since his mother's death, he had been living with relatives and friends.{{cite news |last1=Hobbs |first1=Stephen |last2=McMahon |first2=Paula |last3=Geggis |first3=Anne |last4=Travis |first4=Scott |date=February 14, 2018 |title=Nikolas Cruz: Troubled suspect had been expelled from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School |work=Sun-Sentinel |url=http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/parkland/florida-school-shooting/fl-school-shooting-cruz-20180214-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215045458/http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/parkland/florida-school-shooting/fl-school-shooting-cruz-20180214-story.html |archive-date=February 15, 2018}}

Cruz was a member of the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps and had received multiple awards including academic achievement for "maintaining an A grade in JROTC and Bs in other subjects", according to CNN.{{Cite news |last1=McLaughlin |first1=Eliott C. |last2=Park |first2=Madison |name-list-style=and |date=February 14, 2018 |title=Social media paints picture of racist 'professional school shooter' |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/14/us/nikolas-cruz-florida-shooting-suspect/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216085130/https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/14/us/nikolas-cruz-florida-shooting-suspect/index.html |archive-date=February 16, 2018 |work=CNN |publisher=}} He was also a member of his school's varsity air rifle team.{{cite news |last=Wright |first=Mike |date=February 17, 2018 |title=Florida shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz was member of school's rifle team and described as a 'very good shot' |work=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/02/17/florida-shooting-suspect-nikolas-cruz-member-schools-rifle-team/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218050526/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/02/17/florida-shooting-suspect-nikolas-cruz-member-schools-rifle-team/ |archive-date=February 18, 2018}} At the time of the shooting, he was enrolled in a GED program and employed at a local Dollar Tree.{{cite news |last1=Griffin |first1=Drew |last2=Glover |first2=Scott |last3=Pagliery |first3=Jose |last4=Lah |first4=Kyung |date=February 16, 2018 |title=From 'broken child' to mass killer |work=CNN |publisher= |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/16/us/shooter-profile-invs/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=April 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403173812/https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/16/us/shooter-profile-invs/index.html |archive-date=April 3, 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Wan |first1=William |last2=Sullivan |first2=Kevin |last3=Weingrad |first3=David |last4=Berman |first4=Mark |date=February 15, 2018 |title=Florida shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz: Guns, depression and a life in trouble |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2018/02/15/florida-shooting-suspect-nikolas-cruz-guns-depression-and-a-life-in-free-fall/ |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=April 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180402112141/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2018/02/15/florida-shooting-suspect-nikolas-cruz-guns-depression-and-a-life-in-free-fall/ |archive-date=April 2, 2018}}

Cruz had behavioral issues since preschool,{{cite web |date=August 23, 2022 |title=Parkland school shooter's defense: Teacher says 'animal fantasy' behaviors were problem in pre-K |url=https://www.local10.com/news/local/2022/08/23/parkland-school-shooters-defense-teacher-says-animal-fantasy-behaviors-were-problem-in-pre-k/ |website=local10.com}} and was eligible for special education services alongside an IEP. According to The Washington Post, he was "well known to school and mental health authorities and was entrenched in the process for getting students help rather than referring them to law enforcement".{{cite news |last1=Craig |first1=Tim |last2=Brown |first2=Emma |last3=Larimer |first3=Sarah |last4=Balingit |first4=Moriah |date=February 18, 2018 |title=Teachers say Florida suspect's problems started in middle school, and the system tried to help him |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/teachers-say-florida-shooters-problems-started-in-middle-school-and-the-system-tried-to-help-him/2018/02/18/cdff7aa6-1413-11e8-9065-e55346f6de81_story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228080446/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/teachers-say-florida-shooters-problems-started-in-middle-school-and-the-system-tried-to-help-him/2018/02/18/cdff7aa6-1413-11e8-9065-e55346f6de81_story.html |archive-date=February 28, 2018 |access-date=March 1, 2018 |newspaper=The Washington Post |quote=interviews with teachers, administrators and those who knew Cruz – along with other records and accounts – show that he was well known to school and mental health authorities and was entrenched in the process for getting students help rather than referring them to law enforcement.}} Psychiatrist Dr. Stephen E. Moskowitz diagnosed Cruz with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Cruz was transferred between schools (including Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School) six times in three years in an effort to deal with these problems. In 2014, he was transferred to a school for children with emotional or learning disabilities. There were reports that he made threats against other students.{{cite news |last=Zezima |first=Katie |date=March 24, 2018 |title='People need to listen to us': Demonstrators gather around the U.S. to protest gun violence |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/anti-gun-marches-planned-for-cities-throughout-the-us-world/2018/03/24/a7365514-2f59-11e8-b0b0-f706877db618_story.html |url-status=live |access-date=March 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324202109/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/anti-gun-marches-planned-for-cities-throughout-the-us-world/2018/03/24/a7365514-2f59-11e8-b0b0-f706877db618_story.html |archive-date=March 24, 2018}}

Cruz returned to Stoneman Douglas High School two years later but was expelled in 2017 for disciplinary reasons. As he could not be expelled from the Broward County school system completely, he was transferred to alternative placement.{{cite news |last1=Miller |first1=Carol Marbin |last2=Gurney |first2=Kyra |name-list-style=and |date=February 20, 2018 |title=Parkland shooter always in trouble, never expelled. Could school system have done more? |url=http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/article201216104.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303040902/http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/article201216104.html |archive-date=March 3, 2018 |access-date=March 1, 2018 |work=Miami Herald |quote=Contrary to early reports, Cruz was never expelled from Broward schools. Legally, he couldn't be. Under federal law, Nikolas Cruz had a right to a 'free and appropriate' education at a public school near him.}} The school administration had circulated an email to teachers, warning that Cruz had made threats against other students. The school banned him from wearing a backpack on campus.{{cite news |last1=Teproff |first1=Carli |last2=Herrera |first2=Chabeli |last3=Smiley |first3=David |date=February 14, 2018 |title=17 dead, 15 wounded after expelled student shoots up Stoneman Douglas High in Broward |work=Miami Herald |url=http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/education/article200094039.html |url-status=live |access-date=February 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180214223127/http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/education/article200094039.html |archive-date=February 14, 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Kelli |first1=Kennedy |date=February 14, 2018 |title=Here's what we know about Nikolas Cruz, the Florida school shooting suspect |work=Boston Globe |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.boston.com/news/national-news/2018/02/14/nikolas-cruz-parkland-florida-school-shooting-suspect |url-status=live |access-date=February 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215092445/https://www.boston.com/news/national-news/2018/02/14/nikolas-cruz-parkland-florida-school-shooting-suspect |archive-date=February 15, 2018}}{{Cite news |last=De Moraes |first=Lisa |date=February 14, 2018 |title=Police: At Least 17 Dead In Florida High School Shooting; Ex-Student In Custody, ID'd – Update |work=Deadline Hollywood |url=https://deadline.com/2018/02/parkland-florida-high-school-shooting-gunman-tv-networks-video-1202288652/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215092445/https://deadline.com/2018/02/parkland-florida-high-school-shooting-gunman-tv-networks-video-1202288652/ |archive-date=February 15, 2018}}

Psychiatrists recommended an involuntary admission of Cruz to a residential treatment facility, starting in 2013.{{cite news |last=Olmeda |first=Rafael |date=March 16, 2018 |title=School officials worried about Nikolas Cruz and guns 18 months before mass shooting |work=Sun-Sentinel |url=http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/parkland/florida-school-shooting/fl-reg-florida-school-shooting-mental-health-20180316-story.html |url-status=live |access-date=March 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319212440/http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/parkland/florida-school-shooting/fl-reg-florida-school-shooting-mental-health-20180316-story.html |archive-date=March 19, 2018}} The Florida Department of Children and Families investigated him in September 2016 for Snapchat posts in which he cut both his arms and said he planned to buy a gun. At this time, a school resource officer suggested{{cite news |last=Saslow |first=Eli |date=June 4, 2018 |title='It was my job, and I didn't find him': Stoneman Douglas resource officer remains haunted by massacre |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/it-was-my-job-and-i-didnt-find-him-stoneman-douglas-resource-officer-remains-haunted-by-massacre/2018/06/04/796f1c16-679d-11e8-9e38-24e693b38637_story.html |url-status=live |access-date=June 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180605011810/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/it-was-my-job-and-i-didnt-find-him-stoneman-douglas-resource-officer-remains-haunted-by-massacre/2018/06/04/796f1c16-679d-11e8-9e38-24e693b38637_story.html |archive-date=June 5, 2018 |quote=He had even suggested that counselors use Florida's Baker Act to have Cruz involuntarily committed, but a health expert wrote that Cruz "did not meet criteria for further assessment."}} he undergo an involuntary psychiatric examination under the provisions of the Baker Act. Two guidance counselors agreed, but a mental institution did not.{{cite news |date=March 19, 2018 |title=Stoneman Douglas' resource officer recommended committing Nikolas Cruz for mental health issues |publisher=WPMT |agency=CNN Wire |location=York, Pennsylvania |url=http://fox43.com/2018/03/19/stoneman-douglas-resource-officer-recommended-committing-nikolas-cruz-for-mental-health-issues/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320054342/http://fox43.com/2018/03/19/stoneman-douglas-resource-officer-recommended-committing-nikolas-cruz-for-mental-health-issues/ |archive-date=March 20, 2018 |quote=[a] school resource officer [...] wanted to use the Baker Act on {{nowrap|September 28}}, 2016, after the then-student allegedly made threats against himself and others. Although two guidance counselors initially agreed with [the officer], two mental health professionals from Henderson Behavioral Health said Cruz didn't meet the criteria}} State investigators reported he had depression, autism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and had a history of attempting suicide. However, psychologist Frederick M. Kravitz later testified that Cruz was never diagnosed with autism.{{cite web | url=https://www.local10.com/news/local/2022/08/24/watch-live-parkland-school-shooters-defense-to-continue-calling-witnesses/ | title=Psychologist says Parkland school shooter was a child who 'stuck out like a sore thumb' | date=August 24, 2022 }} In their assessment, the investigators concluded he was "at low risk of harming himself or others".{{cite news |last1=Burch |first1=Audra D. S. |last2=Robles |first2=Frances |last3=Mazzei |first3=Patricia |date=February 17, 2018 |title=Florida Agency Investigated Nikolas Cruz After Violent Social Media Posts |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/17/us/nikolas-cruz-florida-shooting.html |url-status=live |access-date=February 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180217225800/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/17/us/nikolas-cruz-florida-shooting.html |archive-date=February 17, 2018}} He had previously received mental health treatment, but had not received treatment in the year leading up to the shooting.

The school district conducted an assessment of the handling of Cruz. According to their redacted report, which was reviewed in August 2018 by The New York Times, The Daily Beast, and other media, a year before the shooting, Cruz had sought help from education specialists, as his grades at Stoneman Douglas were declining. He was an eighteen-year-old junior, and met with the specialists with his mother. The specialists recommended that he transfer to another school, Cross Creek School in Pompano Beach, where he had done well before, but he wanted to graduate with his class at Stoneman Douglas, and rejected this option, as a legal adult. He was advised that if he stayed, he would no longer be able to access special education services, but this was incorrect.{{cite news |last=Quinn |first=Allison |date=August 4, 2018 |title=Parkland Shooter Asked for Help, but Was Denied Before Shooting |work=The Daily Beast |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/parkland-shooter-asked-for-help-but-was-denied-before-shooting |url-status=live |access-date=August 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805135519/https://www.thedailybeast.com/parkland-shooter-asked-for-help-but-was-denied-before-shooting |archive-date=August 5, 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Torres |first1=Andrea |last2=Weinsier |first2=Jeff |date=August 4, 2018 |title=School district mishandled Parkland shooter's access to special education, report says |publisher=WPLG |location=Miami, Florida |url=https://www.local10.com/news/parkland-school-shooting/judge-says-parkland-school-shooters-education-records-can-be-released |url-status=live |access-date=August 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805172618/https://www.local10.com/news/parkland-school-shooting/judge-says-parkland-school-shooters-education-records-can-be-released |archive-date=August 5, 2018}} A few months later, he withdrew because of failing grades. After that, Cruz requested to go to Cross Creek, but he was told a new assessment was needed, delaying action, and the request was denied.{{cite news |last=Mazzei |first=Patricia |date=August 4, 2018 |title=Parkland Shooting Suspect Lost Special-Needs Help at School When He Needed It Most |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/04/us/parkland-florida-nikolas-cruz.html |url-status=live |access-date=August 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805134145/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/04/us/parkland-florida-nikolas-cruz.html |archive-date=August 5, 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Wallman |first1=Brittany |last2=McMahon |first2=Paula |name-list-style=and |title=Here's what Broward schools knew about Parkland shooter — details revealed by mistake |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/parkland/florida-school-shooting/fl-florida-school-shooting-consultant-report-full-20180803-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215223007/https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/parkland/florida-school-shooting/fl-florida-school-shooting-consultant-report-full-20180803-story.html |archive-date=December 15, 2018 |access-date=December 15, 2018 |work=Sun-Sentinel}}{{cite news |last1=McMahon |first1=Paula |last2=Wallman |first2=Brittany |date=August 3, 2018 |title=Florida school failed Parkland shooter, report says |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-parkland-shooting-report-20180803-story.html |url-status=live |access-date=February 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207055107/https://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-parkland-shooting-report-20180803-story.html |archive-date=December 7, 2019}}

Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel described Cruz's online profiles and accounts as "very, very disturbing". They contained pictures and posts of him with a variety of weapons, including long knives, a shotgun, a pistol, and a BB gun. Police said that he held "extremist" views; social media accounts that were thought to be linked to him contained anti-black and anti-Muslim slurs. YouTube comments linked to him include "I wanna die Fighting killing shit ton of people", and threats against police officers. Cruz idolized many different infamous mass murderers, such as Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, Seung-Hui Cho, James Eagan Holmes, and Elliot Rodger, and regularly researched well-known mass shootings by reading Wikipedia and watching documentaries.{{cite news |last=Chen |first=Joyce |date=February 15, 2018 |title=What We Know About the Alleged Florida School Shooter |magazine=Rolling Stone |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/nikolas-cruz-alleged-florida-school-shooter-w516801 |url-status=live |access-date=February 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222165138/https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/nikolas-cruz-alleged-florida-school-shooter-w516801 |archive-date=February 22, 2018}}{{Cite news |title=Alleged Shooter Nikolas Cruz Threatened Mass Campus Shooting 9 Months Ago |work=TMZ |url=https://www.tmz.com/2018/02/15/nikolas-cruz-threatened-murder-mass-shooting-youtube/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180217001527/http://www.tmz.com/2018/02/15/nikolas-cruz-threatened-murder-mass-shooting-youtube/ |archive-date=February 17, 2018}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVMcVs0Ty1E |title=Psychiatrist Probes Parkland School Shooter's Mind During Jailhouse Interview |date=October 5, 2022 |type=Interrogation footage |time=15:29 |quote=I looked up on Wikipedia [sic], I studied mass murderers and how they did it.}}

In February 2017, Cruz legally purchased an AR-15-style semi-automatic rifle from a Coral Springs gun store, after having passed the required background check. Prior to the purchase, he had similarly obtained several other firearms, including at least one shotgun and several other rifles.{{Cite web |last1=Date |first1=Jack |last2=Margolin |first2=Josh |title=Florida school shooting suspect had access to 10 firearms, including AK-47 variant |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/florida-school-shooting-suspect-access-10-firearms-including/story?id=53198625 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022133520/https://abcnews.go.com/US/florida-school-shooting-suspect-access-10-firearms-including/story?id=53198625 |archive-date=October 22, 2021 |access-date=March 29, 2021 |website=ABC News |language=en}} At the time of the shooting, in Florida, it was legal for people as young as 18 to purchase guns from federally licensed dealers, including the rifle allegedly used in the shooting. The minimum age requirement has since been raised to 21.{{cite news |last=Herrera |first=Chabeli |date=February 15, 2018 |title=Gun shop owners distraught over firearm sold to teen now held in school massacre |work=Miami Herald |url=http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/broward/article200434884.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180217015852/http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/broward/article200434884.html |archive-date=February 17, 2018}}{{Cite news |last1=Swisher |first1=Skyler |last2=McMahon |first2=Paula |title=Nikolas Cruz passed background check, including mental health questions, to get AR-15 rifle |work=Sun-Sentinel |url=http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/parkland/florida-school-shooting/fl-florida-school-shooting-guns-20180215-story.html |url-status=live |access-date=February 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216013513/http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/parkland/florida-school-shooting/fl-florida-school-shooting-guns-20180215-story.html |archive-date=February 16, 2018 |quote=Cruz purchased the Smith & Wesson M&P 15 rifle in February 2017 from Sunrise Tactical Supply in Coral Springs, officials said. Cruz passed a background check, which looks at criminal history and whether someone has been found to be "mentally defective" by a court, said Peter Forcelli, the special agent in charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in South Florida...As is the case in most states, Floridians can buy assault-style weapons from federally licensed dealers once they reach age 18.}}{{cite web |last1=Detman |first1=Gary |date=March 9, 2018 |title=Gov. Scott signs Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act |url=https://cbs12.com/news/local/suspected-school-gunman-in-court-for-bond-hearin |access-date=May 26, 2022 |website=WPEC |language=en}}

Items recovered by police at the scene included gun magazines with swastikas carved in them. One student claimed that Cruz had drawn a swastika and the words "I hate niggers" on his backpack.{{cite news |last=Fisher |first=Janon |date=February 27, 2018 |title=Florida school gunman carved swastikas into rifle magazines, had 180 rounds remaining |work=Daily News |location=New York |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/florida-school-gunman-carved-swastikas-rifle-magazines-article-1.3845630 |url-status=live |access-date=March 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323092643/http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/florida-school-gunman-carved-swastikas-rifle-magazines-article-1.3845630 |archive-date=March 23, 2018}} CNN reported that Cruz was in a private Instagram group chat where he expressed racist, antisemitic, xenophobic, and homophobic views. Cruz said that he hated "jews, niggers, immigrants" and frequently discussed the weapons that he owned. At one point, Cruz said "I think I am going to kill people" in the group chat, although he later claimed that he was joking.{{cite news |last1=Murphy |first1=Paul |title=Exclusive: Group chat messages show school shooter obsessed with race, violence and guns |publisher=CNN |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/16/us/exclusive-school-shooter-instagram-group/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=February 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180217023757/https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/16/us/exclusive-school-shooter-instagram-group/index.html |archive-date=February 17, 2018}}

A former classmate said Cruz had anger management issues and often joked about guns and gun violence, which included threats of shooting up establishments.{{cite news |last1=Hayes |first1=Christal |last2=Bohatch |first2=Emily |date=February 14, 2018 |title='I'm sick to my stomach': 17 dead in Florida high school shooting; former student in custody |work=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2018/02/14/injuries-reported-after-shooting-florida-high-school/338217002/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215055404/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2018/02/14/injuries-reported-after-shooting-florida-high-school/338217002/ |archive-date=February 15, 2018}} The brother of a 2016 graduate said that "[Cruz was] super stressed out all the time and talked about guns a lot and tried to hide his face". A student who was enrolled at the school at the time of the shooting said, "I think everyone had in their minds if anybody was going to do it, it was going to be him."{{cite news |last1=Darrah |first1=Nicole |date=February 14, 2018 |title=Nikolas Cruz was living with Florida high school student in months leading up to shooting, attorney says |publisher=Fox News Channel |url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/nikolas-cruz-was-living-with-florida-high-school-student-in-months-leading-up-to-shooting-attorney-says/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215020433/http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/02/14/nicolas-cruz-identified-as-florida-high-school-shooting-suspect-reportedly-showed-warning-signs.html |archive-date=February 15, 2018}} A classmate who was assigned to work with him in sophomore year said, "He told me how he got kicked out of two private schools. He was held back twice. He had aspirations to join the military. He enjoyed hunting." A student's mother said that he also bragged about killing animals. A neighbor said his mother would call the police over to the house to try to talk some sense into him.{{cite news |last1=Haag |first1=Matthew |last2=Kovaleski |first2=Serge F. |date=February 14, 2018 |title=Nikolas Cruz, Florida Shooting Suspect, Described as a 'Troubled Kid' |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/14/us/nikolas-cruz-florida-shooting.html |url-status=live |access-date=February 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215025456/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/14/us/nikolas-cruz-florida-shooting.html |archive-date=February 15, 2018}}

Sheriff Scott Israel said that his office received 23 calls about Cruz during the previous decade. CNN used a public records request to obtain a sheriff's office log, which showed that from 2008 to 2017, at least 45 calls were made in reference to Cruz, his brother, or the family home combined.{{cite news |last1=Devine |first1=Curt |last2=Pagliery |first2=Jose |date=February 27, 2018 |title=Sheriff says he got 23 calls about shooter's family, but records show more |publisher=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/27/us/parkland-shooter-cruz-sheriff-calls-invs/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=March 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303041259/https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/27/us/parkland-shooter-cruz-sheriff-calls-invs/index.html |archive-date=March 3, 2018}}{{Cite news |last1=Blinder |first1=Alan |last2=Mazzei |first2=Patricia |date=February 22, 2018 |title=As Gunman Rampaged Through Florida School, Armed Deputy 'Never Went In' |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/22/us/nikolas-cruz-florida-shooting.html |url-status=live |access-date=February 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230015858/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/22/us/nikolas-cruz-florida-shooting.html |archive-date=December 30, 2020}} On {{nowrap|February 5}}, 2016, the calls included an anonymous tip that Cruz had threatened to shoot up the school, and a tip on {{nowrap|November 30}}, 2017, that he might be a "school shooter in the making" and that he collected knives and guns. On {{nowrap|September 23}}, 2016, a peer counselor notified the school resource officer of his suicide attempt and intent to buy a gun, and the school indicated it would do a "threat assessment".{{cite news |last=Nehamas |first=Nicholas |date=February 22, 2018 |title='School shooter in the making': All the times authorities were warned about Nikolas Cruz |work=Miami Herald |url=http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/broward/article201684874.html |url-status=live |access-date=February 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110105508/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/broward/article201684874.html |archive-date=January 10, 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Hobbs |first1=Stephen |last2=Travis |first2=Scott |last3=Huriash |first3=Lisa J. |date=February 23, 2018 |title=Stoneman Douglas cop resigns; sheriff says he should have 'killed the killer' |work=Sun-Sentinel |url=http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/parkland/florida-school-shooting/fl-florida-shooting-sro-20180222-story.html |url-status=live |access-date=February 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110105428/https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/parkland/florida-school-shooting/fl-florida-shooting-sro-20180222-story.html |archive-date=January 10, 2021 |quote=deputies were under review for how they handled two calls, including the one from November where the caller also said Cruz "was collecting guns and knives," according to documents released by the sheriff's office. A deputy followed up with the caller but did not create a report documenting it. A separate incident, from February 2016, was also under review. The sheriff's office said a deputy responded to a tip that Cruz planned to shoot up a school and that the information was forwarded to Peterson, the school resource officer.}}{{cite news |last1=Murphy |first1=Brett |last2=Perez |first2=Maria |date=February 23, 2018 |title=Florida school shooting: Sheriff got 18 calls about Nikolas Cruz's violence, threats, guns |work=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2018/02/23/florida-school-shooting-sheriff-got-18-calls-cruzs-violence-threats-guns/366165002/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109053357/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2018/02/23/florida-school-shooting-sheriff-got-18-calls-cruzs-violence-threats-guns/366165002/ |archive-date=January 9, 2021}}

In September 2016, three people—a sheriff's deputy who worked as a resource officer at Stoneman Douglas, and two of the school's counselors—stated that Cruz should be committed for mental evaluation.{{cite news |last=Anderson |first=Curt |date=March 18, 2018 |title=Some officials wanted Florida school shooting suspect forcibly committed in 2016 |work=Orlando Sentinel |agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/nationworld/ct-nikolas-cruz-parkland-shooting-20180318-story.html |url-status=live |access-date=March 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318213905/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/nationworld/ct-nikolas-cruz-parkland-shooting-20180318-story.html |archive-date=March 18, 2018}}{{cite news |date=March 18, 2018 |title=Officials Warned to Institutionalize Alleged Parkland Shooter |publisher=WTVJ |agency=Associated Press |location=Miami, Florida |url=https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/Some-Wanted-Florida-Suspect-Committed-in-2016-477207863.html |url-status=live |access-date=March 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322021134/https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/Some-Wanted-Florida-Suspect-Committed-in-2016-477207863.html |archive-date=March 22, 2018}}

On {{nowrap|September 24}}, 2017, a person with the username "nikolas cruz" posted a comment to a YouTube video that read, "Im{{sic}} going to be a professional school shooter." The person who uploaded the video to YouTube reported the comment to the FBI. According to agent Robert Lasky, the agency conducted database reviews but was unable to track down the individual who made the threatening comment.{{cite news |last1=Goldman |first1=Adam |last2=Mazzei |first2=Patricia |date=February 15, 2018 |title=YouTube Comment Seen as Early Warning in Shooting Left Little for F.B.I. to Investigate |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/15/us/politics/nikolas-cruz-youtube-comment-fbi.html |url-status=live |access-date=February 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216031027/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/15/us/politics/nikolas-cruz-youtube-comment-fbi.html |archive-date=February 16, 2018}}{{Cite news |last=Sacks |first=Brianna |date=February 15, 2018 |title=The FBI Was Warned About A School Shooting Threat From A YouTube User Named Nikolas Cruz in September |publisher=BuzzFeed |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/briannasacks/the-fbi-was-warned-about-a-school-shooting-threat-from |url-status=live |access-date=February 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215122128/https://www.buzzfeed.com/briannasacks/the-fbi-was-warned-about-a-school-shooting-threat-from |archive-date=February 15, 2018}}

On {{nowrap|January 5}}, 2018, less than two months before the shooting, the FBI received a tip on its Public Access Line from a person who was close to Cruz. On {{nowrap|February 16}}, two days after the shooting, the agency released a statement that detailed this information. According to the statement, "The caller provided information about Cruz's gun ownership, desire to kill people, erratic behavior, and disturbing social media posts, as well as the potential of him conducting a school shooting." After conducting an investigation, the FBI said the tip line did not follow protocol when the information was not forwarded to the Miami Field Office, where investigative steps would have been taken.{{cite news |last1=Benner |first1=Katie |last2=Mazzei |first2=Patricia |last3=Goldman |first3=Adam |name-list-style=and |date=February 16, 2018 |title=F.B.I. Was Warned of Florida Suspect's Desire to Kill but Did Not Act |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/16/us/fbi-nikolas-cruz-shooting.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114160959/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/16/us/fbi-nikolas-cruz-shooting.html |archive-date=January 14, 2021 |access-date=February 18, 2018 |work=The New York Times}}{{cite web |date=February 16, 2018 |title=FBI Statement on the Shooting in Parkland, Florida |url=https://www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press-releases/fbi-statement-on-the-shooting-in-parkland-florida |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180217004949/https://www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press-releases/fbi-statement-on-the-shooting-in-parkland-florida |archive-date=February 17, 2018 |publisher=Federal Bureau of Investigation}} The FBI opened a probe into the tip line's operations.{{cite news |last1=Wilber |first1=Del Quentin |last2=Viswanatha |first2=Aruna |date=February 20, 2018 |title=FBI Probes Tip-Line Operations After Missed Florida-Shooting Warning |work=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/fbi-probes-tip-line-operations-after-missed-florida-shooting-warning-1519170464 |url-status=live |access-date=February 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214040822/https://www.wsj.com/articles/fbi-probes-tip-line-operations-after-missed-florida-shooting-warning-1519170464 |archive-date=December 14, 2020}}{{subscription required}}

The response by Israel and other members of the Broward County Sheriff's Office to the numerous red flags and warnings about Cruz has been the subject of scrutiny.{{cite news |last=Wamsley |first=Laurel |date=February 26, 2018 |title=Broward Sheriff Under Scrutiny For Handling Of Parkland Shooting |publisher=NPR |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/02/26/588900401/broward-sheriff-under-scrutiny-for-handling-of-parkland-shooting |url-status=live |access-date=March 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321130420/https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/02/26/588900401/broward-sheriff-under-scrutiny-for-handling-of-parkland-shooting |archive-date=March 21, 2018}} In the days following the shooting, calls for Israel's resignation intensified as more information that alluded to the department's inaction was revealed.{{cite news |last1=Scherer |first1=Michael |last2=Davis |first2=Aaron C. |last3=Berman |first3=Mark |date=February 26, 2018 |title=Florida sheriff faces intensifying political scrutiny, calls to resign in wake of school shooting |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/florida-sheriff-faces-intensifying-political-scrutiny-calls-to-resign-in-wake-of-school-shooting/2018/02/26/8bb12a74-1b2e-11e8-b2d9-08e748f892c0_story.html |url-status=live |access-date=March 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318122418/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/florida-sheriff-faces-intensifying-political-scrutiny-calls-to-resign-in-wake-of-school-shooting/2018/02/26/8bb12a74-1b2e-11e8-b2d9-08e748f892c0_story.html |archive-date=March 18, 2018}} Israel refused to resign in the immediate aftermath of the shooting, saying during an interview with CNN, "I've given amazing leadership to this agency" while denying responsibility for the actions of his deputies.{{cite news |last=Mazzei |first=Patricia |date=February 25, 2018 |title=Under Pressure, Florida Sheriff Defends 'Amazing Leadership' |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/25/us/sheriff-parkland-shooting.html |url-status=live |access-date=March 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321132211/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/25/us/sheriff-parkland-shooting.html |archive-date=March 21, 2018}}{{cite news |last=Hart |first=Benjamin |date=February 25, 2018 |title=Broward County Sheriff Brags About 'Amazing Leadership' in Wake of School-Shooting Failures |work=New York |url=https://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2018/02/broward-county-sheriff-boasts-of-amazing-leadership.html |url-status=live |access-date=February 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629235946/http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2018/02/broward-county-sheriff-boasts-of-amazing-leadership.html |archive-date=June 29, 2018}}{{cite news |last=Boss |first=Jeff |date=March 7, 2018 |title=This Is What 'Amazing Leadership' Doesn't Look Like |work=Forbes |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffboss/2018/03/07/this-is-what-amazing-leadership-doesnt-look-like/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322082850/https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffboss/2018/03/07/this-is-what-amazing-leadership-doesnt-look-like/ |archive-date=March 22, 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Smiley |first1=David |last2=Nehamas |first2=Nicholas |last3=Rabin |first3=Charles |date=February 28, 2018 |title=As Broward sheriff touts 'amazing leadership,' a low grumble builds in the ranks |work=Miami Herald |url=http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/broward/article202758764.html |url-status=live |access-date=March 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321130259/http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/broward/article202758764.html |archive-date=March 21, 2018}} This culminated in Governor Ron DeSantis removing Israel from his role as Sheriff and replacing him with Gregory Tony.{{cite news |last=Li |first=David K. |date=January 11, 2019 |title=Sheriff Scott Israel removed from office after criticism of Parkland school shooting response |publisher=NBC News |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/sheriff-scott-israel-removed-office-after-criticism-parkland-school-shooting-n957916 |url-status=live |access-date=March 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327231445/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/sheriff-scott-israel-removed-office-after-criticism-parkland-school-shooting-n957916 |archive-date=March 27, 2019}}

File:Nikolas J. Cruz being arrested by police in Florida, February 14, 2018.jpg

{{main|Parkland high school shooting}}

On February 14, 2018, Cruz opened fire on students and staff at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, murdering 17 people{{refn|group=note|14 students and three staff members}} and injuring 17 others.{{Cite news |last1=Laughland |first1=Oliver |last2=Luscombe |first2=Richard |last3=Yuhas |first3=Alan |date=February 15, 2018 |title=Florida school shooting: at least 17 people dead on 'horrific, horrific day' |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/feb/14/florida-shooting-school-latest-news-stoneman-douglas |url-status=live |access-date=February 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215075616/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/feb/14/florida-shooting-school-latest-news-stoneman-douglas |archive-date=February 15, 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Earl |first1=Jennifer |date=February 14, 2018 |title=Florida school shooting among 10 deadliest in modern US history |publisher=Fox News Channel |url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/florida-school-shooting-among-10-deadliest-in-modern-us-history |url-status=live |access-date=February 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215021549/http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/02/14/florida-school-shooting-among-10-deadliest-in-modern-us-history.html |archive-date=February 15, 2018}}{{Cite news |last1=Fleshler |first1=David |last2=Hobbs |first2=Stephen |last3=Huriash |first3=Lisa J. |last4=Trischitta |first4=Linda |date=March 2, 2018 |title=Captain in Parkland school shooting was brought onto force by Sheriff Israel |work=Sun-Sentinel |url=http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/parkland/florida-school-shooting/fl-florida-shooting-bso-perimeter-20180302-story.html |url-status=live |access-date=March 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307001232/http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/parkland/florida-school-shooting/fl-florida-shooting-bso-perimeter-20180302-story.html |archive-date=March 7, 2018}} Cruz, a former student at the school, fled the scene on foot by blending in with other students and was arrested without incident approximately one hour and twenty minutes later in nearby Coral Springs.{{cite news |last=Detman |first=Gary |date=February 15, 2018 |title=Gunman went to Walmart and McDonald's after school shooting: Sheriff |publisher=WPEC |location=West Palm Beach, Florida |url=https://cbs12.com/news/local/gunman-went-to-subway-walmart-and-mcdonalds-after-school-shooting-sheriff |url-status=live |access-date=March 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090200/https://cbs12.com/news/local/gunman-went-to-subway-walmart-and-mcdonalds-after-school-shooting-sheriff |archive-date=March 27, 2019}}

Cruz told a psychologist that he committed the shooting on Valentine's Day because he believed that no one loved him.{{Cite web |date=October 6, 2022 |title=School shooter chose Valentine's Day to ruin it forever |url=https://apnews.com/article/shootings-education-florida-fort-lauderdale-parkland-school-shooting-045455fc875b7a91800468995c18dcf5 |access-date=January 5, 2024 |website=AP News |language=en}}

File:N. Cruz court hearing in Florida, February 2018.webm

At his initial arraignment the day after the shootings, Cruz was charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder and held without bond.{{cite news |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/florida-shooting-fbi-was-alerted-about-threat-posted-youtube-n848316 |title=Florida shooting: FBI was alerted about threat on YouTube |last1=Kosnar |first1=Michael |last2=Arkin |first2=Daniel |date=February 16, 2018 |publisher=NBC News |access-date=February 16, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180216002939/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/florida-shooting-fbi-was-alerted-about-threat-posted-youtube-n848316 |archive-date=February 16, 2018 }}{{cite news |first=Alex |last=Lockie |title=Suspect in Florida shooting could face death penalty for 17 counts of premeditated murder |access-date=February 15, 2018 |work=Business Insider |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/florida-school-shooting-suspect-nikolas-cruz-could-face-death-penalty-2018-2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215160720/http://www.businessinsider.com/florida-school-shooting-suspect-nikolas-cruz-could-face-death-penalty-2018-2 |archive-date=February 15, 2018 }} According to an affidavit by the sheriff's office, Cruz confessed to the shooting. It was also claimed Cruz told officers that he brought additional loaded magazines hidden in a backpack.{{cite news |title=Florida school shooting suspect hid among students after massacre |date=February 15, 2018 |access-date=February 15, 2018 |publisher=CBS News |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/parkland-florida-shooting-nikolas-cruz-continued-coverage-2018-02-15-live-updates/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215205917/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/parkland-florida-shooting-nikolas-cruz-continued-coverage-2018-02-15-live-updates/ |archive-date=February 15, 2018 }}{{cite news |title=Florida high school shooting suspect confesses to 17 counts of murder |url=http://www.wtxl.com/ap/militia-says-school-shooting-suspect-was-member-of-the-republic/article_07ce197c-127a-11e8-a16a-5f8261e1570e.html |publisher=WTXL-TV |location=Tallahassee, Florida |agency=Associated Press |access-date=February 16, 2018 |archive-date=March 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321041000/http://www.wtxl.com/ap/militia-says-school-shooting-suspect-was-member-of-the-republic/article_07ce197c-127a-11e8-a16a-5f8261e1570e.html |url-status=live }}

Cruz was placed on suicide watch in an isolation cell (solitary confinement) after the arraignment.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/florida-shooting-latest-alleged-gunman-nikolas-cruz-suicide-watch-broward-county-court-fort-a8213181.html |title=Nikolas Cruz placed on suicide watch after first court appearance for Florida shooting |first=Andrew |last=Buncombe |date=February 15, 2018 |work=The Independent |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216095203/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/florida-shooting-latest-alleged-gunman-nikolas-cruz-suicide-watch-broward-county-court-fort-a8213181.html |archive-date=February 16, 2018 }} Lead defense counsel Gordon Weekes asked Broward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer to recuse herself, claiming that her previous comments and rulings showed favoritism toward the prosecution, which would prevent Cruz from receiving a fair trial. She disagreed and declined the request on {{nowrap|February 26}}.{{cite news |first1=Kelli |last1=Kennedy |first2=Brendan |last2=Farrington |first3=Curt |last3=Anderson |title=Judge refuses to step aside in Florida school shooting case |date=February 27, 2018 |access-date=February 27, 2018 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-shooter-nikolas-cruz-parkland-court-20180227-story.html |archive-date=February 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227173339/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-shooter-nikolas-cruz-parkland-court-20180227-story.html |url-status=live }}

On {{nowrap|March 7, 2018}}, a grand jury indicted Cruz on a total of 34 charges: 17 counts of first-degree murder and 17 counts of attempted first-degree murder.{{Cite news |url=http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/parkland/florida-school-shooting/fl-florida-school-shooting-nikolas-cruz-indictment-20180307-story.html |title=Nikolas Cruz indicted on 17 counts of murder and 17 counts of attempted murder |last1=McMahon |first1=Paula |date=March 7, 2018 |work=Sun-Sentinel |access-date=March 7, 2018 |last2=Alanez |first2=Tonya |archive-date=March 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307212333/http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/parkland/florida-school-shooting/fl-florida-school-shooting-nikolas-cruz-indictment-20180307-story.html |url-status=live }} He was arraigned on {{nowrap|March 13}}, and the prosecution filed notice of their intent to seek the death penalty.{{cite news |publisher=CNN |date=March 13, 2018 |first=Eliott C. |last=McLaughlin |title=Prosecutors will seek death penalty in Parkland school massacre |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/13/us/nikolas-cruz-parkland-massacre-death-penalty/index.html |access-date=April 23, 2018 |archive-date=April 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180423232719/https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/13/us/nikolas-cruz-parkland-massacre-death-penalty/index.html |url-status=live }} They said they could prove five of the aggravating factors that qualify a murder for the death penalty in Florida. Cruz declined to enter a plea, so Scherer entered "not guilty" on his behalf. The defense had earlier offered a guilty plea if the death penalty were taken off the table, and reiterated it immediately before it was refused.{{cite news |publisher=WPLG |location=Miami, Florida |date=March 14, 2018 |first=Amanda |last=Batchelor |title=Judge enters not guilty plea for Nikolas Cruz during arraignment hearing |access-date=March 14, 2018 |url=https://www.local10.com/news/parkland-school-shooting/judge-enters-not-guilty-plea-for-nikolas-cruz-during-arraignment-hearing- |archive-date=March 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314183908/https://www.local10.com/news/parkland-school-shooting/judge-enters-not-guilty-plea-for-nikolas-cruz-during-arraignment-hearing- |url-status=live }}

During the week of April 8–12, 2018, Scherer included a three-page letter from a Minnesotan into the court record of the case. The letter was addressed to the judge and claimed that research into Cruz's past led the writer to believe that Cruz had a developmental disability and that he was "fearful of other people and was threatened by bullies." The letter ended by claiming that Cruz appeared to be consumed by sadness and depression.{{Cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/12/us/nikolas-cruz-supporter-letter/index.html |title=Letter asks judge to show mercy on Parkland shooter |publisher=CNN |first1=Ray |last1=Sanchez |first2=Rosa |last2=Flores |access-date=April 16, 2018 |archive-date=April 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180413114826/https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/12/us/nikolas-cruz-supporter-letter/index.html |url-status=live }}

The same week, a hearing was held to determine if Cruz was entitled to a public defender. His attorney, court-appointed public defender Howard Finkelstein, asked the court to wait until the probate case involving Cruz's late mother's estate was concluded and Cruz's net worth could be determined, as Cruz would have only been entitled to a public defender had he been unable to afford a private attorney.{{Cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/11/us/nikolas-cruz-legal-fees-hearing/index.html |title=Nikolas Cruz, brother might have $1 million in bank, attorney says |first1=Eliott C. |last1=McLaughlin |first2=Rosa |last2=Flores |publisher=CNN |access-date=April 16, 2018 |archive-date=April 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417024428/https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/11/us/nikolas-cruz-legal-fees-hearing/index.html |url-status=live }}

According to the Broward County Sheriff's Office, Cruz attacked a jail officer on the night of November 13, 2018.{{cite web |last1=Anderson |first=Curt |last2=Spencer |first2=Terry |name-list-style=and |date=November 14, 2018 |title=Sheriff: Parkland shooting suspect assaulted jail officer |url=https://apnews.com/8eb5491626b245038a34c14a8f1571c4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606125943/https://apnews.com/8eb5491626b245038a34c14a8f1571c4 |archive-date=June 6, 2019 |access-date=June 6, 2019 |website=AP News}} The following day, he was charged with aggravated assault on an officer, battery against an officer, and use of an "electric or chemical weapon against an officer". The officer who was allegedly attacked by Cruz had asked him to "not drag his sandals on the ground" while he was walking in the jail's dayroom. It was claimed Cruz responded by "displaying his middle finger" and striking the officer in the face. He also grabbed the stun gun out of the deputy's holster. The weapon discharged during the brawl before the deputy regained control and Cruz was placed in solitary confinement. Cruz appeared at an initial hearing on the assault charges, where bail was set at $200,000.{{cite news |work=USA Today |date=November 14, 2018 |first=Susan |last=Miller |title=Parkland suspect Nikolas Cruz charged with assaulting jail guard, grabbing stun gun |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2018/11/14/nikolas-cruz-parkland-charged-assaulting-jail-guard/2003165002/ |access-date=January 5, 2019 |archive-date=January 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104053909/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2018/11/14/nikolas-cruz-parkland-charged-assaulting-jail-guard/2003165002/ |url-status=live }}

On April 24, 2019, a determination was made that Cruz and his half-brother Zachary would share the proceeds of a MetLife insurance policy valued at $864,929.{{Cite news |title=Parkland shooter came into an $865K insurance policy. Now his public defenders are dropping him |last1=Miller |first1=Carol Marbin |last2=Nehamas |first2=Nicholas |newspaper=Miami Herald |date=April 24, 2019 |url= https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/crime/article229637214.html|archive-date=August 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190810000236/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/crime/article229637214.html|url-status=live}} This would make Cruz ineligible for representation by the public defender's office, and the office therefore asked to be removed from his case on that date.

Scherer ruled on July 26 that Cruz's confession would be released to the public, adding on August 3 that the Broward school district's report on Cruz would also be released, with some redactions to protect Cruz's privacy rights.{{cite news |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/parkland/florida-school-shooting/fl-florida-school-shooting-school-district-report-court-20180803-story.html |title=Parkland school shooting report must be released to public, judge rules |first1=Paula |last1=McMahon |first2=Brittany |last2=Wallman |work=Sun-Sentinel |date=August 3, 2018 |archive-date=December 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215223811/https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/parkland/florida-school-shooting/fl-florida-school-shooting-school-district-report-court-20180803-story.html |url-status=live }} The confession was released on August 6.{{cite news|url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/parkland/florida-school-shooting/fl-florida-school-shooting-nikolas-cruz-confession-20180806-story.html|title=Parkland shooter Nikolas Cruz during confession: 'Kill me'|last1=McMahon|first1=Paula|work=Sun-Sentinel|last2=Alanez|first2=Tonya|last3=Huriash|first3=Lisa J.|date=August 6, 2018|archive-date=December 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216030827/https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/parkland/florida-school-shooting/fl-florida-school-shooting-nikolas-cruz-confession-20180806-story.html|url-status=live}} On August 8, a video of Cruz's confession filmed by the Broward County Sheriff's Office was published by TMZ. Cruz can be heard crying near the end of the video, and saying "kill me" to the camera.{{cite news |url=https://www.tmz.com/2018/08/08/nikolas-cruz-confession-tapes-video-released-stoneman-douglas-parkland-shooting-massacre-kill-me-camera/ |title=Stoneman Douglas Shooter Nikolas Cruz Confession Tapes Released, He Says 'Kill Me' |publisher=TMZ |date=August 8, 2018 |access-date=February 20, 2020 |archive-date=September 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190918182448/https://www.tmz.com/2018/08/08/nikolas-cruz-confession-tapes-video-released-stoneman-douglas-parkland-shooting-massacre-kill-me-camera/ |url-status=live }}

Cruz's trial, initially scheduled to begin on January 27, 2020, was originally delayed until mid-year to allow his lawyers more time to build their case.{{cite news |work=Ben Feuerherd |date=December 19, 2019 |first=Harry |last=Vallet |title=Trial for accused Parkland shooter Nikolas Cruz delayed until summer 2020. |access-date=January 1, 2020 |url=https://nypost.com/2019/12/19/trial-for-accused-parkland-shooter-nikolas-cruz-delayed-until-summer-2020/ |archive-date=January 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102152419/https://nypost.com/2019/12/19/trial-for-accused-parkland-shooter-nikolas-cruz-delayed-until-summer-2020/ |url-status=live }} The case was then delayed again due to the COVID-19 pandemic;{{Cite web|date=June 22, 2020|title=Judge: Parkland school shooting trial off indefinitely due to COVID-19 restrictions|url=https://www.kshb.com/news/national/judge-florida-school-shooting-trial-off-indefinitely|access-date=June 22, 2020|publisher=KSHB|language=en|archive-date=June 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623022622/https://www.kshb.com/news/national/judge-florida-school-shooting-trial-off-indefinitely|url-status=live}} the case was expected to go to trial in September 2021.{{Cite web|date=May 7, 2021|title=Nikolas Cruz expected to go to trial in September for Parkland school shooting|url=https://www.local10.com/news/local/2021/04/22/nikolas-cruz-expected-to-go-to-trial-in-september-for-parkland-school-shooting/|publisher=Local 10|language=en|access-date=May 7, 2021|archive-date=July 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714214811/https://www.local10.com/news/local/2021/04/22/nikolas-cruz-expected-to-go-to-trial-in-september-for-parkland-school-shooting/|url-status=live}} However, a start date for the trial was not set.{{Cite web|url=https://www.local10.com/news/local/2021/09/08/attorneys-for-confessed-parkland-gunman-seeking-life-sentence-rather-than-death-penalty/|title=Attorneys for confessed Parkland gunman seeking life sentence rather than death penalty|first=Eden|last=Checkol|date=September 8, 2021|website=WPLG|access-date=September 24, 2021|archive-date=September 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924172753/https://www.local10.com/news/local/2021/09/08/attorneys-for-confessed-parkland-gunman-seeking-life-sentence-rather-than-death-penalty/|url-status=live}}

Prior to trial, the judge, Elizabeth Scherer, ruled that the use of "derogatory words" to refer to Cruz would not be allowed from prosecutors or witnesses during the trial, saying that it would not be feasible to create an "exhaustive list of words" that should not be used to describe Cruz. However, Judge Scherer also ruled against the defense in the use of some words, ruling that Cruz can be called "killer", "school shooter" or "murderer" as she deemed those words "normal to describe particular facts."{{cite news |last1=Androne |first1=Dakin |last2=Timm-Garcia |first2=Jaide |last3=Razek |first3=Raja |title=Parkland shooter Nikolas Cruz cannot be called an 'animal' or any other derogatory names during trial, judge rules |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/09/04/us/nikolas-cruz-trial-derogatory-names-ruling/index.html |access-date=September 9, 2021 |agency=CNN |date=September 4, 2021 |archive-date=October 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211031160516/https://edition.cnn.com/2021/09/04/us/nikolas-cruz-trial-derogatory-names-ruling/index.html |url-status=live }}

On October 14, a trial was scheduled for the following day, where it was reported that Cruz would plead guilty to the battery charge.{{Cite news|url=https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/national/hearing-set-abruptly-in-2018-florida-school-massacre-case|date=October 15, 2021|access-date=October 15, 2021|title=Attorney: Parkland shooter Nikolas Cruz to plead guilty|archive-date=October 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030044322/https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/national/hearing-set-abruptly-in-2018-florida-school-massacre-case|url-status=live}} Judge Scherer stated she would hold a hearing on October 20, where Cruz planned to plead guilty to all counts relating to the shooting to avoid the death penalty.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/15/us/nikolas-cruz-parkland-shooting-plea.html|title=Nikolas Cruz to Plead Guilty for Parkland School Shooting|newspaper=The New York Times|date=October 15, 2021|access-date=October 15, 2021|last1=Madigan|first1=Nick|last2=Levenson|first2=Michael|last3=Bogel-Burroughs|first3=Nicholas|archive-date=October 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030040935/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/15/us/nikolas-cruz-parkland-shooting-plea.html|url-status=live}}

On October 20, Cruz pled guilty to all charges, including murder and attempted murder. Cruz made a statement after pleading guilty in which he expressed remorse for his crimes and asked the victims' families to decide his fate.

Cruz was also sentenced that day for his attack on Sgt. Beltran. He was given 26 years in prison for the assault charge.{{Cite news|url = https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-58983965|title = Nikolas Cruz: Parkland gunman pleads guilty to murdering 17|work = BBC News|date = October 20, 2021|access-date = December 19, 2021|archive-date = October 31, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211031145436/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-58983965|url-status = live}}

Cruz's death penalty trial began July 18, 2022, and was presided over by Judge Scherer.{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/nikolas-cruz-parkland-shooting-trial-e8a15846f345b12e320e3f7b723086ff|title=Prosecutor recalls coldness, cruelty of Parkland gunman|publisher=Associated Press|access-date=July 20, 2022|last=Spencer|first=Terry|date=July 18, 2022}} On July 27, 2022, prosecutors presented the jurors digital evidence in their investigation. Jurors were presented with an 18-page list of search queries from various Google accounts. The list included searches such as "how to become a school shooter", and "pumped up kicks columbine high school" (a reference to the song "Pumped Up Kicks").{{Cite web |last=Torres |first=Christina Vazquez, Andrea |date=July 27, 2022 |title=Prosecution shows jurors evidence of Parkland school shooter's violent thoughts, actions |url=https://www.local10.com/news/local/2022/07/27/court-resumes-a-day-after-autopsies-of-parkland-victims-presented-to-jurors/ |access-date=July 28, 2022 |website=WPLG |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Spencer |first=Terry |title=Jurors see Florida school shooter's violent internet posts |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/jail-guard-describes-florida-school-shooter-attacked-87494086 |access-date=July 28, 2022 |website=ABC News |language=en}} On August 4, 2022, the prosecution rested its case.{{Cite web |last=Roustan |first=Wayne |title=Parkland Prosecution Rests Case as Jurors Hear From Final Family Members |url=https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/parkland-prosecution-rests-case-as-jurors-hear-from-final-family-members/2828303/ |access-date=April 29, 2023 |website=NBC 6 South Florida |date=August 4, 2022 |language=en-US}} On August 20, 2022, the Sun Sentinel released drawings written by Cruz in prison, which he had created in May. In the drawings, he blamed his ex-girlfriend's new boyfriend for making him do the shooting, who Cruz claimed sexually humiliated him on Instagram prior to the attack.{{Cite web |title=As his defense launches, Parkland shooter still fixated on blood, murder, revenge |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/parkland/florida-school-shooting/fl-ne-parkland-cruz-trial-defense-case-nikolas-cruz-20220820-lcfinle5bbberhfdj2mfvbpl2u-story.html |access-date=August 21, 2022 |website=Sun Sentinel|date=August 20, 2022 }} Anthony Montalto III, the brother of victim Gina Montalto, called Cruz a "murdering bastard";{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/watch-emotional-final-statements-from-families-of-parkland-victims-ahead-of-shooters-sentencing/2897979/|title=Watch Emotional Final Statements From Families of Parkland Victims Ahead of Shooter's Sentencing|date=November 1, 2022}} while Michael Schulman, the father of victim Scott Biegel, said that his wish for his 70th birthday was to hear word that Cruz had been killed in prison.{{Cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2022/11/02/parkland-parent-michael-schulman-calls-for-nikolas-cruz-to-be-murdered-in-jail/|title=Parkland parent Michael Schulman calls for Nikolas Cruz to be murdered in jail|last1=Algar|first1=Selim|date=November 2, 2022}}

The defense presented the jurors evidence and testimony that Cruz suffered from brain damage and disabilities resulting from his birth mother smoking, drinking alcohol and using various illegal drugs during her pregnancy with him and failure by the state and the school and other sources to get him proper treatment.{{cite web | url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/rcna44366 | title=Nikolas Cruz's brain 'irretrievably broken' because birth mom abused cocaine and alcohol, his defense says | website=NBC News | date=August 23, 2022 }}{{Cite web |last1=Weisfeldt |first1=Sara |last2=Levenson |first2=Eric |last3=Royal |first3=Denise |date=August 22, 2022 |title=Nikolas Cruz's defense says his brain was 'poisoned' by birth mother's addictions in death penalty trial |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/22/us/nikolas-cruz-trial-defense/index.html |access-date=April 29, 2023 |website=CNN |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Hannah |title=Nikolas Cruz sentencing trial live updates: Alcohol abuse and poor prenatal care hurt Cruz in the womb, doctor says |url=https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/courts/2022/09/13/parkland-shooter-trial-nikolas-cruzs-iq-score-scrutinized-prosecutors/10365189002/ |access-date=April 29, 2023 |website=The Palm Beach Post |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Spencer |first=Terry |date=August 23, 2022 |title=Parkland school shooter's birth mom abused cocaine, alcohol |url=https://winknews.com/2022/08/23/parkland-school-shooters-birth-mom-abused-cocaine-alcohol/ |access-date=April 29, 2023 |website=WINK News |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Torres |first=Andrea |date=August 22, 2022 |title=Parkland school shooter's defense: Recovering addict says mother used drugs during pregnancy |url=https://www.local10.com/news/local/2022/08/22/parkland-school-shooters-defense-recovering-addict-says-mother-used-drugs-during-pregnancy/ |access-date=April 29, 2023 |website=WPLG |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Cohen |first=Lenny |date=September 12, 2022 |title=Nikolas Cruz penalty trial returns to focus on mother's drinking, school killer's IQ |url=https://abc3340.com/news/nation-world/penalty-trial-school-killer-nikolas-cruz-parkland-marjory-stoneman-douglas-high-defense-case |access-date=April 29, 2023 |website=WBMA |language=en}} In a rebuttal, an expert witness for the prosecution testified that Cruz faked Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in a psychiatric evaluation and diagnosed him with both antisocial and borderline personality disorder.{{cite web |last=Sharp |first=Rachel | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/nikolas-cruz-mental-illness-parkland-trial-b2195457.html | title=Nikolas Cruz faked extent of mental illness and cognitive issues, expert claims: 'He was clearly playing games' |website=Independent.co.uk | date=October 4, 2022 }}

The defense team for Cruz rested their case on September 14, 2022. The prosecution's rebuttal began on September 27, 2022, and ended on September 29, 2022. Cruz's Google and YouTube search history were presented to the court, showing searches of child pornography, rape, racism, Nazism and killing animals.{{Cite web |date=September 28, 2022 |title=Parkland shooter's trial delayed due to hurricane threat in Florida |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/parkland-shooter-sentencing-florida-school-shooting-latest-b2176932.html |access-date=February 5, 2024 |website=The Independent |language=en}} Closing arguments were delivered on October 11, 2022.{{Cite web |date=October 13, 2022 |title=Prosecutors ask jury to recommend death sentence for Parkland shooter |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/11/us/nikolas-cruz-trial-closing-arguments |access-date=October 13, 2022 |website=CNN |language=en-US}}

On October 13, 2022, the jury recommended that Cruz be sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. While the jury found that the state had proven beyond a reasonable doubt the aggravating factors on all counts, they were not unanimous on whether the aggravating factors outweighed the mitigating factors.{{Cite web |last=Macaya |first=Aditi Sangal, Matt Meyer, Meg Wagner, Melissa |title=Jury recommends life without parole for Nikolas Cruz |url=https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/nikolas-cruz-sentencing-decision/index.html |access-date=October 13, 2022 |website=CNN |date=October 13, 2022 |language=en}}{{refn|group=note|According to the jury foreman, nine out of twelve jurors recommended the death penalty.}}

Nearly all of the murdered victims' families expressed anger and extreme disappointment toward the verdict, stating in their victim impact statements that he deserved the death penalty.{{cite news|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/florida-high-school-mass-shooter-sentenced-to-life-in-prison|title=Florida high school mass shooter sentenced to life in prison|work=The Straits Times|date=November 3, 2022|location=Singapore|access-date=November 3, 2022}} Other points of contention from the victims were the perceived improper conduct of Cruz's lawyers during the trial as well as the unanimity required by Florida law to impose the death penalty as opposed to a majority vote.{{cite news|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/parkland-shooter-nikolas-cruz-jailed-life-confronted-victims-family-3040381|title=Parkland shooter jailed for life, confronted by victims' relatives|newspaper=CNA|location=Singapore|date=November 3, 2022|access-date=November 4, 2022|archive-date=November 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221103150822/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/parkland-shooter-nikolas-cruz-jailed-life-confronted-victims-family-3040381|url-status=dead}} Florida governor Ron DeSantis, who also criticized the jury's recommendation, called for changes to the law.{{cite web |last1=Allen |first1=Greg |title=Florida is poised to change the way it imposes the death sentence in trials |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/11/01/1133041129/florida-is-poised-to-change-the-way-it-imposes-the-death-sentence-in-trials |website=NPR |date=November 1, 2022 |access-date=November 3, 2022}} In April 2023, DeSantis signed a bill allowing juries to recommend the death penalty in capital cases on an 8–4 vote, among other measures.{{cite web |title=Gov. DeSantis signs death penalty, crime bills as possible 2024 presidential run looms |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/desantis-signs-death-penalty-crime-bills-as-2024-run-looms-2/ |website=CBS News |date=May 1, 2023 |access-date=May 14, 2023}}

On November 2, 2022, Cruz was sentenced to 34 consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, one each for the total number of victims murdered and wounded by Cruz.{{cite news|url=https://www.todayonline.com/world/florida-school-mass-shooter-sentenced-life-prison-2035841|title=Florida school mass shooter sentenced to life in prison|newspaper=TODAY|location=Singapore|date=November 3, 2022|access-date=November 4, 2022|archive-date=July 11, 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230711212956/https://www.todayonline.com/world/florida-school-mass-shooter-sentenced-life-prison-2035841|url-status=dead}}

In June 2024, Cruz settled a civil lawsuit with shooting victim Anthony Borges, granting Borges rights to Cruz's name so that Cruz cannot grant interviews or make any agreement with film producers or authors without Borges' permission. Borges' lawyer said the objective was to take power and control from Cruz so he "cannot inflict further torture on his victims from jail." Cruz also agreed to donate his brain to science.{{cite news |last1=Olmeda |first1=Rafael |title=Parkland school shooter signs away rights to his name. Now, just one survivor owns it |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2024/06/27/parkland-shooting-survivor-owns-name-of-gunman-he-wants-to-prevent-the-convicted-killer-from-profiting/ |work=Sun Sentinel |date=June 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629014147/https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2024/06/27/parkland-shooting-survivor-owns-name-of-gunman-he-wants-to-prevent-the-convicted-killer-from-profiting/ |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |url-status=live}}

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{{Stoneman Douglas High School shooting}}

{{Authority control}}

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