Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School's former resource officer, 56-year-old Scot Peterson, was arrested on Tuesday for failing to act during the school shooting where 17 died and another 17 were injured.
"The FDLE investigation shows former Deputy Peterson did absolutely nothing to mitigate the MSD shooting that killed 17 children, teachers and staff and injured 17 others," Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Rick Swearingen said in a statement. "There can be no excuse for his complete inaction and no question that his inaction cost lives."
According to the New York Times, FDLE's investigation showed Peterson failed to "investigate the source of the gunshots, retreated during the shooting while victims were still under attack and directed other law enforcement officers to remain 500 feet away from the building."
“We cannot fulfill our commitment to always protect the security and safety of our Broward County community without doing a thorough assessment of what went wrong that day,” Sheriff Gregory Tony, who was appointed to replace Israel, said. “I am committed to addressing deficiencies and improving the Broward Sheriff’s Office.”
According to Local 10, Peterson faces seven counts of neglect of a child, three counts of culpable negligence and one count of perjury.
Peterson resigned after then-Sheriff Scott Israel suspended him.
Hunter Pollack, whose sister Meadow Pollack died during the tragic shooting, took to Twitter to say he was happy with the decision and that he hopes Peterson "spends the rest of his life in prison."
Former Broward Deputy Scot Peterson has been arrested on felony charges.
— Hunter Pollack (@PollackHunter) June 4, 2019
He cowered in Parkland while my sister died defenseless and lied about his failure to confront the shooter.
I hope he spends the rest of his life in prison.
Coward Deputy Scot Peterson was charged with:
— Hunter Pollack (@PollackHunter) June 4, 2019
- 7 counts of child neglect
- 3 counts of culpable negligence
- 1 county of perjury
I haven't stopped working to hold people accountable since my sister was murdered last year.
This is a huge victory. She is smiling in heaven.
School safety advocate Kyle Kashuv said he feels justice has finally been served.
Finally some justice has been served.
— Kyle Kashuv (@KyleKashuv) June 4, 2019
The coward school resource ”officer” who let my peers die has been arrested.
Scot Peterson stood outside the building and allowed 17 people to be MURDERED when he knew it was his job to protect us.
Finally. pic.twitter.com/I4JZvcVbAS