In a verdict that has sparked strong reactions, a Florida jury found former Parkland school resource officer Scot Peterson not guilty on all charges related to his actions during the tragic 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Peterson faced seven counts of felony child neglect, three counts of misdemeanor culpable negligence, and one count of perjury. He was the first law enforcement officer in the U.S. to be criminally charged for alleged inaction during a school shooting.
The image above shows Peterson leaving the courtroom following a hearing in his case at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on May 22, 2022. (Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP, Pool)
This image captures Peterson's reaction as the not guilty verdict is read at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Thursday, June 29, 2023. (Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP, Pool)
The trial centered on Peterson's response to the shooting, where he remained outside the building while the gunman, Nikolas Cruz, opened fire inside. The prosecution argued that Peterson's inaction contributed to the deaths of 14 students and three staff members. They highlighted testimony from students and teachers who indicated they were unsure of the shots' origin, suggesting Peterson could have intervened sooner. The prosecution emphasized that everyone on the third floor was still alive when Peterson chose to retreat.
Peterson is seen here during his trial at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on June 22, 2023. (Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP, Pool)
Peterson's defense contended that he couldn't pinpoint the gunfire's location and was unsure if multiple shooters were involved. They emphasized Peterson's initiation of a school-wide "code red" alert. The defense placed the blame squarely on Cruz.
Peterson confers with his defense lawyer Mark Eiglarsh after a hearing on May 22, 2022. ((Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP, Pool))
Following the acquittal, Broward State Attorney Harold F. Pryor asserted that the case was about fulfilling one's duty, not politics. He stressed the specific responsibilities of armed school resource officers to protect children. Families of the victims expressed disappointment, with some emphasizing that the verdict doesn't excuse Peterson's inaction. They pointed to his failure to enter the building and confront the shooter even after other law enforcement arrived. While acknowledging the legal outcome, they believe Peterson will forever bear the burden of his choices that day.
