In a highly emotional trial, a Florida jury has acquitted Scot Peterson, a former school security officer, of charges relating to his inaction during the Parkland shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018.
Peterson, who worked as a Broward County sheriff's deputy and served as a resource officer at the school, had faced multiple charges, including neglect of a child and perjury.
The verdict, announced on Thursday, delivered a blow to the prosecution, as Peterson was found not guilty on all counts.
According to NBC, the charges against him carried a potential maximum sentence of 9612 years in state prison. The trial, which stirred strong emotions on both sides, left bitter feelings among the victims' families and the wider community.
Scot Peterson was the only other armed person present at the school when the shooter opened fire, and his failure to confront the gunman became a focal point of the case. Peterson, now 60, was forced to retire after the shooting.
Relief and Controversy: Reactions Abound as Scot Peterson Found Not Guilty in Parkland Shooting Case
Following the acquittal, an emotional Peterson expressed relief and stated that he had regained his life after enduring years of turmoil. He also emphasized the emotional roller coaster he had experienced throughout the process.
Broward County State Attorney Harold Pryor, in a post-verdict statement, defended the decision to prosecute Peterson, highlighting the importance of holding an armed school resource officer accountable for their duties. Pryor addressed those who tried to politicize the case, emphasizing that the expectation for someone to do their job, especially when it involves protecting children and staff, should not be a political matter.
According to NY Times, the arrest of Scot Peterson came after a 15-month investigation, which concluded that he had failed to investigate the source of the gunshots, retreated during the active shooting while victims were being targeted, and directed other law enforcement officers to remain away from the building where the tragedy was unfolding.
While Peterson's acquittal brought relief to his defense team, Tony Montalto, the father of one of the victims, expressed disbelief and disappointment outside the court. Montalto found it difficult to comprehend how the jury arrived at the verdict because he thought Peterson's inaction had contributed to the suffering of the entire community.
Acquittal in Parkland Shooting Trial Renews Calls for Justice and Healing
The Parkland shooting resulted in the tragic loss of 17 lives, with several more individuals sustaining injuries. According to BBC, the former student responsible for the shooting pleaded guilty to multiple counts of murder and attempted murder, receiving a life sentence in prison without parole.
Scot Peterson, in a tearful interview with NBC's "Today" show months after the shooting, apologized to the families of the victims and expressed remorse for his actions. He attributed his failure to enter the building during the incident to the chaos, miscommunication, and his assumption that the gunfire was originating from outside.
Peterson's lawyer, Mark Eiglarsh, celebrated the acquittal as a victory for law enforcement officers, asserting that it vindicated the actions of dedicated police officers across the country who perform their duties diligently every day.
The acquittal of Scot Peterson has left lasting impressions on the Parkland community, continuing the painful journey of healing and seeking justice for the victims and their families. The trial has rekindled debates surrounding the responsibilities and expectations placed upon school resource officers in similar situations and the broader issue of school safety.
