Vice President Harris plans to visit Parkland, Fla., to advocate for the increased use of red flag laws, which allow for the temporary removal of guns from individuals deemed to pose a danger to themselves or others. She will walk the halls of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and announce a new effort to provide training and technical assistance to states, local governments, law enforcement, and health care providers in using these laws. Harris will also urge states to utilize funding from the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to raise awareness about the laws and train court staff and first responders.
Parkland survivor David Hogg trolls Donald Trump by redirecting visitors of a Trump-branded sneaker website to a page urging them to call their member of Congress for gun safety. The sneakers, priced at $399, have reportedly sold out, despite the disclaimer that they are not affiliated with Trump or his organization. Hogg, a prominent gun control activist, has redirected visitors to a website advocating for gun safety.
Five teenagers, including four students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, have been charged with felony battery after a violent altercation at the school. The incident, which occurred on December 12, involved the group of teens ambushing an 18-year-old student in the parking lot, resulting in the victim being lifted into the air, slammed on the ground, and punched and kicked by multiple people. One student was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The Coral Springs Police Department is working to identify an additional suspect, and they have emphasized that such behavior will not be tolerated. Felony battery in Florida carries a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison.
The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School's Eagle Regiment marching band from Parkland, Florida, performed at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, honoring the memory of Alex Schachter, a former band member and victim of the 2018 school shooting. The band played "The Polar Express" and had the names of Alex and another victim, Gina Montalto, on their flag. The performance was described as incredible, and the band received support from the families of the victims.
Families and survivors of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting visited the preserved crime scene in the 1200 building, where their loved ones were killed over five years ago. Max Schachter, father of one of the victims, described the tour as horrifying, with blood everywhere and likened it to a horror movie. Schachter emphasized the importance of prioritizing school safety and educating about best practices. Other visitors included Debra Hixon, a Broward school board member, and surviving students Isabel Chequer and William Olson. More family members are expected to visit in the coming days.
Scot Peterson, the sheriff's deputy who was present during the Parkland shooting in 2018, has been found not guilty on all counts, including child neglect. Peterson, who was the only armed school resource officer on campus at the time, was charged in connection with the deaths and injuries caused by the gunman. Surveillance video showed that Peterson did not confront the shooter and a public safety commission stated that he hid for about 48 minutes. Peterson retired from the Broward County Sheriff's Office after the incident.
Scot Peterson, a former sheriff's deputy, has been found not guilty of failing to protect students during the 2018 Parkland school shooting in Florida. Peterson, who stayed outside during the attack at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, was acquitted of 11 charges, including felony child neglect, culpable negligence, and perjury. The shooting, which resulted in the deaths of 17 people and injured 17 others, was one of the deadliest high school shootings in US history.
