NPR

Parkland Shooting Suspect: A Story Of Red Flags, Ignored

Friends, family and neighbors were aware of the man now accused of killing 17 people. So were two sheriff's departments and the FBI. Despite all the warnings, nothing was done to intervene.
Alleged shooter Nikolas Cruz appears in court for a status hearing before Broward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer earlier this month. He is facing 17 charges of premeditated murder in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla.

Friends, family and neighbors were worried about Nikolas Cruz. So were social workers, teachers and sheriff's deputies in two counties.

As classes at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School resumed two weeks after the shooting rampage that left 17 people dead, it is increasingly clear that Cruz, the alleged gunman, was deeply troubled.

The 19-year-old was the subject of dozens of 911 calls and at least two separate tips to the FBI. He also came to the attention of the Florida Department of Children and Families. Despite warning signs stretching back over a decade, no one intervened to stop the Valentine's Day shooting spree.

Many calls to the police

Cruz and his younger brother were adopted by Roger and Lynda Cruz. The family bought a sprawling house in the affluent Fort

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR2 min readAmerican Government
U.S. Bans Noncompete Agreements For Nearly All Jobs
The Federal Trade Commission has voted to ban employment agreements that typically prevent workers from leaving their companies for competitors, or starting competing businesses of their own.
NPR2 min read
Gaza Solidarity Protests Sweep U.S. Colleges; SCOTUS Tackles Starbucks Union Case
Tensions are high as campus protests over the war in Gaza stretch across the U.S. The Supreme Court will hear a case about pro-union Starbucks employees.
NPR6 min readCrime & Violence
What's At Stake As The Supreme Court Hears Idaho Case About Abortion In Emergencies
The Supreme Court will consider the question: Should doctors treating pregnancy complications follow state or federal law if the laws conflict? Here's how the case could affect women and doctors.

Related Books & Audiobooks