On the afternoon of February 14, 2018, tragedy struck Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. A former student, 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz, opened fire on students and staff, resulting in the loss of 17 lives and injuring 17 others.

This horrific incident shook the community and raised questions about the safety and security measures in educational institutions. Cruz's troubled past came to light as authorities investigated the motive behind the shooting. It was revealed that he had a history of mental health and behavioral problems, including ADHD, autism, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Disturbingly, he had also recorded videos of himself before carrying out the heinous act, leaving behind a chilling indication of his intentions. One important point of discussion following the incident was the role of authorities who were in a position to prevent such a tragedy.

The police had been called to Cruz's house multiple times, yet failed to take decisive action. Additionally, the FBI mishandled the investigation into his potential involvement in school shootings. These oversights highlighted a significant failure in the system that let down the students and staff of Stoneman Douglas High School.

The availability of firearms and ammunition, particularly among the younger population, came under scrutiny in the aftermath of the shooting. Cruz was able to enter the school premises with a semiautomatic rifle and 300 rounds of ammunition. This raised concerns about the lack of regulated licensing and usage guidance, as well as the need for stricter gun control measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Furthermore, the actions of Scot Peterson, the school's only armed deputy at the time of the shooting, faced scrutiny and legal consequences. Peterson took refuge outside the school instead of confronting the shooter. As part of a civil case against him, a reenactment of the Parkland shooting with live bullets is being conducted inside the high school.

This trial will determine whether Peterson will be held responsible for his actions during the tragic event. The Parkland shooting had a profound impact on the victims' parents, causing them to question the trust they had placed in educational institutions and their administration. In response, a new generation of young political activists emerged, demanding stricter gun laws and advocating for a national gun control movement.

The Parkland shooting serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting our children when they attend school. It highlights the need for improved mental health support, stricter gun control measures, and a comprehensive evaluation of the safety protocols in place at educational institutions.