On Feb. 14, Nikolas Cruz, a 19-year-old former student of Marjory Stoneman Douglas, opened fire in the school. There were 17 fatalities and 30 injuries.
In the aftermath of the worst mass school shooting in Florida’s history, South Florida News Service is taking a closer look at school shootings in Florida in the last five years.
Since the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary in 2012, there have been 20 incidents involving guns on school campuses in Florida, 17 of which were non-accidental. Several of these incidents have resulted in deaths. Below is a rundown the 17 incidents, some of which involved injuries and deaths, while others did not. Future stories will focus on how each school and community is now doing as well as reactions to the tragedy in Parkland.
Nov. 14, 2017 – Lake Minneola High School
A Lake Minneola high school student, Seth Sutherland, shot and killed himself in the school bus loop during a fire drill and after sending goodbye messages to all his family and friends on social media.
Feb. 17, 2016- Rock Crusher Elementary school
A school janitor accidentally fired what he thought was a fake gun – no injuries.
Nov. 10, 2015 – Lecanto High School
A student shot himself in the head during class in front of his peers and teacher. No one else was injured but the gun was found with eight more bullets.
Oct. 11, 2015 – University of South Florida
A football player at the university was arrested for firing a gun on campus – no one was injured.
Jul 27, 2015 – University of Florida
A gun was fired by a student after a fight broke out at one of the residence halls at the university. He was taken into custody shortly after and no one was injured.
May 27, 2015 – Everglades City School
A man was shot in the hand outside of the school after four shots were fired at him by Patrick Galloway. He was taken to the hospital and recovered.
Feb. 23, 2015 – Bethune-Cookman University
Three bystanders were injured after a shooting in the parking lot between the school’s music building and the football practice field.
Jan. 16, 2015 – Vanguard High School
Two were injured after someone began shooting in the parking lot during a basketball game. A 14-year-old was shot in the arm while a 19-year-old was cut by glass during the incident.
Nov. 20, 2014 – Florida State University
A student opened fire, shooting at five people and injuring three. One of the victims was shot three times and became paralyzed from the waist down.
Sept. 10, 2014 – Greenwood Lakes Middle School
A 14-year-old student was found dead in the bathroom of the school after shooting himself. No one else was harmed.
June 27, 2014 – University of Miami
A woman was arrested after firing a gun on campus attempting to murder her ex and then commit suicide. The gun went off but no one was injured, and she was taken into custody.
Dec. 4, 2013 – West Orange High School
A student was shot in the face after a fight broke out on campus. The accident occurred at dismissal. The victim was able to recover from their injuries.
Oct. 4, 2013 – Agape Christian Academy
Two students were shot at the school after a fight broke out. Both sustained major injuries.
June 19, 2013 – Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts
Two janitors at the school were shot and killed after another coworker opened fire.
March 18, 2013 – University of Central Florida
A heavily armed student planning a deliberate attack on the school shot and killed himself anyone else was affected.
Jan. 8, 2013 – Apostolic Revival Center Christian School
A man was shot and killed in the parking lot of the school.