In a recent interview, the family who took in Nikolas Cruz, the individual responsible for the tragic shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, expressed their belief that he had the right to possess firearms, despite being aware of his mental health struggles. The couple, Mark and Linda Thompson, spoke with CBS News about their experiences with Cruz, who lived with them for approximately three months prior to the incident.
Cruz had been diagnosed with several mental health issues, including depression, ADHD, and autism, according to a report from the Florida Department of Children and Families. Furthermore, law enforcement had responded to numerous incidents at Cruz’s previous residence, with some incidents involving his violent outbursts.
When asked if they were concerned about his access to firearms, Mark Thompson stated, “No, we thought he was just dealing with the grief of losing his mother.” The Thompsons maintained that regardless of Cruz’s mental state, they believed he had the right to own firearms, which included several AR-15 rifles. Although they insisted that Cruz store his firearms in a locked safe, they later realized that Cruz may have had access to another key, leading them to question their control over the situation.
“I knew he had five or six guns, but I didn’t know the specifics. It didn’t matter to me what types they were. I own guns myself and respect them as long as they’re used responsibly,” Mark Thompson elaborated. When pressed about whether they believed it was appropriate for a 19-year-old to own an AR-15, Mark asserted, “It’s his right to have it.”
When questioned if their views had changed in light of the shooting, Mark remained steadfast, stating, “No, not at all.”
A study published in the journal Pediatrics indicates that approximately 1,300 children die annually from gun-related injuries, with a significant percentage of these incidents categorized as homicides, suicides, or accidental deaths. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasizes that the most effective means of preventing youth injuries or fatalities is through the complete removal of firearms from homes and communities. They advocate for comprehensive gun safety protocols, such as secure storage solutions, mandatory waiting periods, mental health evaluations for gun purchasers, and restrictions on assault weapons.
However, the Thompsons do not concur with these recommendations. When asked about their feelings of responsibility regarding the shooting, Mark Thompson expressed, “We feel deep sadness for the victims’ families. As for responsibility, we’ve come to terms with it and wouldn’t have acted differently.”
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In summary, the Thompsons’ unwavering stance on Cruz’s right to gun ownership, despite his mental health issues, sheds light on the ongoing debate surrounding gun rights and responsibility in the wake of tragic events. Their reflections reveal a complex interplay between personal beliefs and the broader implications of gun accessibility.