Parkland School Shooting

The Parkland school shooting occurred on February 14, 2018, at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, when a former student opened fire on the campus. The attack resulted in the deaths of 17 people, including 14 students and 3 staff members, and left many others injured. It became one of the deadliest school shootings in United States history and unfolded in the afternoon as students were leaving for the day. Law enforcement responded quickly, and the suspect was arrested shortly after fleeing the scene. The incident shocked the nation and drew global attention to the issue of gun violence in schools. The shooting had far-reaching social and political significance. Survivors, students, and families of victims became prominent advocates for gun control and school safety, leading to the nationwide “March for Our Lives” movement. Their activism brought renewed focus to firearm regulations, mental health support, and campus security. In Florida, the tragedy directly led to the passage of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act, which raised the minimum age to purchase certain firearms, introduced waiting periods, and expanded mental health programs. The Parkland shooting remains a defining moment in the modern debate on gun violence in the United States, symbolizing both profound loss and a surge in youth-led civic engagement.