'Shame on you!': Florida school shooting survivor's speech makes headlines
What's the story
The fight for strict gun laws has become louder after the Florida massacre, with students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas, the site of the tragedy, issuing powerful statements. Senior Emma Gonzalez grabbed headlines with her fiery speech, where she slams President Donald Trump and the administration for not taking any action. "To every politician taking donations from the NRA, shame on you!" she said.
Twitter Post
Survivors gather at rally to bat for stricter gun control
Today I rallied at the federal courthouse in broward, alongside fellow survivors. pic.twitter.com/LPCWSdIbIR
— sarah // #NEVERAGAIN (@sarahchad_) February 17, 2018
Speech
'How much are shooting victims worth to you, Trump?'
At a rally in Fort Lauderdale yesterday, an emotional Gonzalez said how in Florida, one doesn't need a permit or a license to buy and keep a gun. She pointed out the National Rifles Association (NRA) had paid Trump $30mn, which "comes out to $5,800 (per victim in 2018). Is that how much these people are worth to you, Trump?"
Quote
'Not just mental-health issue, can't harm many with a knife'
Responding to the argument that mass shootings are a mental health issue, Gonzalez said, "We need to pay attention to the fact that this was not just a mental health issue. He would not have harmed that many students with a knife."
Attack
17 killed in one of the US' deadliest attacks
The shooting at Marjory Stoneman on February 14 was one of the deadliest in the US in recent years. Seventeen were killed. 19-year-old Nikolaus Cruz, a former student, set off a fire alarm and opened fire as students rushed out of classes. Agencies are facing flak for having received several warnings about Cruz's potential to launch such an attack, but not acting on time.
Twitter Post
Trump visits victims at hospital
Our entire Nation, w/one heavy heart, continues to pray for the victims their families in Parkland, FL. To teachers, law enforcement, first responders medical professionals who responded so bravely in the face of danger: We THANK YOU for your courage! https://t.co/3yJsrebZMG pic.twitter.com/ti791dENTy
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 17, 2018
Status
Attacker agrees to plead guilty to escape death penalty
Three victims are continuing to undergo treatment, reports say. All are in fair condition, the hospitals said. The defense has said Cruz, who has been arrested for premeditated murder, will plead guilty provided prosecutors don't seek the death penalty. But the state attorney hasn't ruled it out yet. District officials are mulling tearing down the building where the massacre happened.