Former Officer Scot Peterson Cleared of Charges in Parkland School Shooting

The not guilty verdict in the trial of Scot Peterson, the former deputy assigned to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, has left many questioning the effectiveness of law enforcement response during school shootings. While Peterson claimed he didn’t know where the shots were coming from, critics argue he failed in his duty to protect the students and prevent the tragedy.

Scot Peterson, a former Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School resource officer, was found not guilty on all counts in connection with his conduct during the 2018 school massacre. The jury reached its decision after 19 hours of discussion, acquitting Peterson of counts including child maltreatment and perjury. Peterson, dubbed “the coward of Broward” for his actions during the shooting, sobbed as the judgment was read in a packed Broward County courtroom.

Scot Peterson, the former school security officer who failed to confront the Parkland shooter who killed 17 people, weeps as he's acquitted on all counts of neglect of a child, culpable negligence and perjury. pic.twitter.com/gyiIclDjEe
— Justin Baragona (@justinbaragona) June 29, 2023

Throughout the trial, prosecutors argued that Peterson failed to follow his active shooting training by remaining outside the school building for about 48 minutes while the shooting took place. They accused him of not confronting the shooter and directing other officers away from the incident. Witnesses, including students and teachers, testified about their harrowing experiences during the massacre and waiting for law enforcement to arrive.

On the other hand, defense attorneys argued that Peterson did everything he could under the circumstances and genuinely believed the shots were coming from outside the building. They called witnesses, who testified that they also believed the gunfire was coming from elsewhere. Peterson’s attorney emphasized that he took a tactical position of cover and should not be held responsible for the law enforcement failings of the incident. Scot Peterson said to the media after being found not guilty, “The only person to blame was that monster.”

Former Parkland school resource officer Scot Peterson after being found not guilty on all counts. "The only person to blame was that monster." https://t.co/TgW4eXOku5 pic.twitter.com/1y6k4rQ8sE
— ABC News Live (@ABCNewsLive) June 29, 2023

The verdict has sparked outrage among parents of the massacre victims, who expressed their disappointment, believing that Peterson is morally guilty for the deaths of their children. They argued that Peterson had a duty to protect the students but failed to take action during the critical moments of the shooting. They criticized the verdict, stating that it does not change the fact that Peterson’s inaction contributed to the loss of innocent lives.

In response to the not-guilty verdict, Peterson expressed his relief and gratitude outside the courtroom, describing the past few years as an emotional roller coaster. He maintained that he did everything he could with the limited information he had during the shooting. Peterson also extended his sympathies to the families of the victims, acknowledging the tragedy they experienced.

While hearing former school resource officer #ScotPeterson’s team cheer in victory, #TonyMontalto, one of the fathers whose child was killed in the Parkland school shooting, expressed his disgust in the not guilty verdict. pic.twitter.com/0qGac9ATdv
— Law&Crime Network (@LawCrimeNetwork) June 29, 2023

The trial raised important questions about the level of responsibility held by police officers during active shooting situations and the expectations placed on them to confront and neutralize the threat. Prosecutors argued that Peterson, as the school resource officer, was the only hope for the victims and had a duty to stop the shooter. In contrast, the defense contended that Peterson’s actions were consistent with the circumstances and that he could not be held solely responsible for the tragedy.

Scot Peterson’s acquittal is the first time a police officer has been tried in connection with a school shooting. The issue received a lot of attention because of the tragedy of the Parkland shooting and its implications for the role of police officers in maintaining student safety. The ruling has inflamed both sides, with some believing justice was done while others believe Peterson should be held accountable for his negligence.

My heart is full with love and appreciation for the jurors in the #ScotPeterson #Parkland #SRO case that I watched EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. That man had no business being sued and singled out the way he was. I hope he can go live a happy life with his family. pic.twitter.com/9hiU08ZIwk
— lacey jane (@laceyjmeeks) June 29, 2023

While the trial has concluded, the impact of the Parkland school shooting continues to resonate, with the families of the victims grappling with the loss of their loved ones and advocating for stricter gun control measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The trial serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of students in educational institutions and the ongoing need for safety measures to protect them from armed individuals who seek to harm them in what should be safe spaces.