Gov. Scott Calls For Investigation Into BSO Response To Parkland Shooting

Gov. Rick Scott is calling on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to investigate the response by law enforcement to the Feb. 14th shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School.

The governor's office said the investigation will begin immediately.

The Broward County Sheriff's department has come under fire after reports deputies ignored repeated complaints about gunman Nikolas Cruz before the shooting. Sheriff Scott Israel also said this week that armed school resource deputy Scot Peterson failed to engage Cruz during the shooting that left 17 people dead on Feb. 14.

A decorated Broward Sheriff's Office deputy, Peterson resigned after he was suspended without pay.

On Friday, Israel launched an investigation after Coral Spring police officers charged that three additional deputies did not enter the high school while Cruz was inside.

Israel rejected calls for his resignation Sunday, saying his agency had done "amazing work."

Scott told The Associated Press that the investigation must run its course before any action is taken.

"There must be an independent investigation and that is why I asked the FDLE Commissioner to immediately start this process," Scott said. 

"I have spoken to Speaker Corcoran about his request and I understand his concerns. I have spoken to the speaker regularly since the shooting, and like me, he wants the families to have answers and for there to be full accountability."


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content