An ex-student opened fire at a Florida high school today, killing at least 17 people and injuring around 14. The sheriff of Broward County, Florida says that the shooter is in custody. Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, 72 km north of Miami, had been placed on a "code red" lockdown. At least 17 people were killed before the gunman, identified as Nikolaus Cruz, 19, was taken into custody. Students hid in classrooms until they were rescued by police.
"There are numerous fatalities. It's a horrific situation," Broward Country Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie told reporters. He said the school district had got no warning of a potential shooter and that there was no evidence of more than one shooter.
Live television showed dozens of students, weaving their way between law enforcement officers with heavy weapons and helmets, and large numbers of emergency vehicles including police cars, ambulances and fire trucks.
President Donald Trump, Melania Trump, Senator Marco Rubio and the Governor of Florida Rick Scott tweeted condolences for the victims and assured that rescue operations are underway.
The shooting was the latest in a deadly series of attacks at US schools. A 15-year-old gunman in January killed two students at a high school in US' Benton, Kentucky.
Here are the updates from the Florida school shooting:
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School will be closed Thursday, February 15 and Friday, February 16, 2018, (for the rest of this week). All school activities are also cancelled.
- Broward Schools (@browardschools) February 15, 2018
Just finished update from fed authorities on #FloridaSchoolShooting. It is clear attack was designed & executed to maximize loss of life
- Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) February 15, 2018
"We have already begun to dissect his websites and things on social media," Sheriff Israel said, calling some of the posts "very, very disturbing."
- "I'm saddened to say that 17 people lost their lives." he says.
- Suspect Nikolaus Cruz, 19, who was an ex student of the school, is in custody.
Suspect Nikolaus Cruz, 19, is in custody. #stonemandouglasshooting
- Broward Sheriff (@browardsheriff) February 14, 2018
Sheriff Israel will brief the public shortly #stonemandouglasshooting
- Broward Sheriff (@browardsheriff) February 14, 2018
School in #BrowardCounty still active scene.Will take some time to clear.Local authorities will be providing more details to public soon.
- Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) February 14, 2018
My heart is heavy over the school shooting in Florida. Keeping all affected in my thoughts & prayers.
- Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) February 14, 2018
"Any parent who is looking for their child, please go to the Marriot at 11775 Heron Bay Blvd. in Coral Springs." - Sheriff Israel #stonemanshooting
- Broward Sheriff (@browardsheriff) February 14, 2018
My prayers and condolences to the families of the victims of the terrible Florida shooting. No child, teacher or anyone else should ever feel unsafe in an American school.
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 14, 2018
Just spoke with @POTUS about shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. My thoughts and prayers are with the students, their families and the entire community. We will continue to receive briefings from law enforcement and issue updates.
- Rick Scott (@FLGovScott) February 14, 2018
"It's catastrophic. There really are no words." - Sheriff Israel
- Broward Sheriff (@browardsheriff) February 14, 2018
Panicked parents checked on their children.
"My daughter, as of right now, she's still trapped in a closet. She's afraid to speak," a man who identified himself as Caesar Figueroa and said his daughter was inside the school, told CBS News.
SWAT still clearing the school #stonemanshooting.
- Broward Sheriff (@browardsheriff) February 14, 2018
Sheriff Israel, "The shooter was not a current student."
- Broward Sheriff (@browardsheriff) February 14, 2018
We are monitoring the horrible unfolding situation in Broward County, Florida with reports of a shooting at a local high school. #Sayfie
- Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) February 14, 2018
So far we have at least 14 victims. Victims have been and continue to be transported to Broward Health Medical Center and Broward Health North hospital. #StonemanShooting
- Broward Sheriff (@browardsheriff) February 14, 2018
Shooter is now in custody. Scene is still active. #stonemanshooting
- Broward Sheriff (@browardsheriff) February 14, 2018
