Authorities Are Still Working to Identify Victims of the Florida School Shooting
Authorities have identified 12 of the 17 people who were killed Wednesday when a former student opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
The identities of the victims have not yet been made public as not all of the families have been notified, according to Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel. Fifteen died on the scene, while two succumbed to injuries after being transported to a hospital.
The shooter, identified as Nikolas Cruz, 19, was taken into police custody.
The shooting at Stoneman Douglas is the worst since 20 students and six adults were slain at Sandy Hook Elementary School in in Newtown, Conn. in 2012. It is the 18th school shooting in the U.S. in 2018.
Read more: ‘Catastrophic’ Florida High School Shooting: Here’s What to Know
Among the victims in Parkland was a Stoneman Douglas football coach, Sheriff Israel told the media, while the son of a deputy sheriff suffered a non-fatal gunshot wound to the arm. Five of the victims were still unidentified at 9:30 p.m. local time. Sheriff Israel noted that not all of the students were carrying backpacks or wallets when they were found.
"I'm saddened to say that 17 people lost their lives."- Sheriff Scott Israel #stonemanshooting
— Broward Sheriff (@browardsheriff) February 14, 2018
Twelve of the victims were killed inside the school, Sheriff Israel said, all of whom had all been identified, NBC reports. Three other victims were slain outside the building. Two additional victims later died at area hospitals, where sixteen people in total were taken in addition to the suspect.
“My prayers are with everybody impacted,” Governor Rick Scott told reporters at a press conference Wednesday evening.
“Those that do know they lost a family member, I just can’t imagine how their lives have been changed,” Scott said. “Like all of us, we’ll be praying for each of those, everybody in the hospital, I’m praying for their full recovery.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi said the state will offer support for the victims and their families.
Praying for everyone involved in today's shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. My victim advocates will be available in full force to help the victims and their families with any services they need.
— Fla. AG Pam Bondi (@AGPamBondi) February 14, 2018
.@AGPamBondi: "It's a horrible tragedy and sadly we've been through this before." Says she's sending five advocates, at least ten more tom driving into #Florida. Adds state will pay for funerals, counseling. @MyNews13 @BN9
— Julie Gargotta (@juliegargotta) February 15, 2018