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The shooter behind the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida has been identified as Nikolas Cruz.
What happened?
On Wednesday, February 14, Cruz opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High, reportedly injuring and killing 17 people, mostly students, although one shooting victim is currently believed to be a teacher.
At this time, Cruz is believed to be detained in police custody. Reportedly, he was arrested on 47th NW Drive.
Who Is Nikolas Cruz?
He is described as being 5″8″, with ginger, red hair and freckles. According to different reports, his surname is given as both “Cruise” or “Cruz.” Similarly, different accounts have given different spellings of Cruz’s first name: “Nicholas,” “Nikolas” and “Nicolas.” He is also believed to be 19 years of age.
At this time, it is believed that he is a former student of the school; some reports identified him as an “alternative” and “problematic” student. According to initial reports, he was seen covered by a gas mask, also wearing a black hat, pants and a dark brown shirt.
According to some reports, Cruz could be seen and heard “yelling, kicking and talking to himself” while in police custody. This had lead to speculation on social media that he had some form of mental illness.
Reportedly, Cruz could later be seen on a gurney while being transported to a local hospital, according to CBS News.
According to The Miami Herald, a teacher identified as Jim Gard, who said Cruz had been in his class last year, have the following statement:
“We were told last year that he wasn’t allowed on campus with a backpack on him…There were problems with him last year threatening students, and I guess he was asked to leave campus.”
Superintendent Robert Runcie also gave the following statement according to the same publication:
“We received no warnings…Potentially there could have been signs out there. But we didn’t have any warning or phone calls or threats that were made.”
Nicholas Cruz Photos & Videos
Nicholas Cruz Updates
BREAKING: NOT CONFIRMED: Shooter identified as Nicholas Cruz. Described as a "troubled kid", and alternative school student, who often shot guns. Is said to be 20-years-old. #Parkland #SchoolShooting.
— Carmine Sabia (@CarmineSabia) February 14, 2018
Nicholas Cruz is the shooter that the Florida police are looking for. Description: 5"8' – Ginger – Freckles – Red Hair. You're going down, ginger.
— Maurice "Mo" Lester (@imwhitewithabbc) February 14, 2018
The police scanner just identified the suspect in the school shooting as Nicholas Cruise (or Cruz.) Ginger. Red hair. 5’8”. ROTC program. They’re getting a picture from students. Searching for him still.
— American Shane (@TheNostromo2122) February 14, 2018
https://twitter.com/CollinRugg/status/963883379539066881
https://twitter.com/LauraLoomer/status/963876971766800384
https://twitter.com/jpegjoshua/status/963868936147292161
Suspect in custody. Nicholas Cruz. Per Broward County PD scanner #Breaking #SchoolShooting #Parkland #StonemanDouglas #Shootinf pic.twitter.com/wc2e8Z6etu
— spencer (@smarcus27) February 14, 2018
