The family that provided a home for Nikolas Cruz, the Parkland school shooter, defended their decision to allow him to possess firearms. Despite being aware of Cruz’s struggles with depression and a history of violent behavior, they assert that he had the right to own multiple guns, including AR-15 rifles.
In an interview with CBS News, the couple, Mark and Lisa Thompson, shared their views on Cruz’s mental health and gun ownership in light of the tragic events that claimed 17 lives at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, just days earlier. Cruz had been living with the Thompsons for approximately three months prior to the shooting.
According to a report from the Florida Department of Children and Families, Cruz was diagnosed with depression, ADHD, and autism. Furthermore, Broward County sheriff’s deputies had responded to his mother’s home 39 times between 2011 and 2016 for various incidents, some of which involved Cruz’s alleged violent outbursts.
When asked by CBS News correspondent John Blackstone if they were concerned about Cruz having access to firearms, Mark Thompson responded, “No, we thought he was just grieving over his mother’s passing.”
Despite understanding Cruz’s mental challenges, the Thompsons maintained that he was entitled to gun ownership. They had insisted Cruz keep his firearms locked away in a safe, but later realized that they might have been mistaken about who had access to the keys. Mark admitted, “I knew he had five or six guns, but I didn’t know exactly what types they were. To me, it didn’t matter. I own guns too, and I believe in responsible ownership.”
When questioned about whether it was appropriate for a 19-year-old to own an AR-15, Mark replied, “It’s his right to have it.” Blackstone pressed for clarity, asking if he felt differently now, to which Mark simply stated, “Nope.”
A study published in Pediatrics revealed that around 1,300 children die annually from gun-related incidents, with 5,790 needing treatment for gunshot wounds. Among children aged 17 and younger, the study indicated that 53% of these deaths were homicides, 38% were suicides, and 6% were accidental. The most prevalent cause of accidental firearm deaths in children was found to be them playing with guns.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasizes that the best way to reduce youth suicides, homicides, and accidental injuries is to keep guns out of homes and communities. They advocate for comprehensive safety measures, including gun safes, waiting periods, mental health evaluations for gun purchasers, and bans on assault weapons. However, the Thompsons hold a different perspective. When asked if they felt accountable for the shooting, Mark expressed, “We feel deep sadness for the families involved. As for feeling responsible, we’ve come to terms with it and wouldn’t have done anything differently.”
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In summary, the Thompsons’ decision to allow Cruz to own firearms, despite his mental health issues, raises significant ethical questions about gun rights and responsibilities. Their belief in his right to bear arms, even after such a tragedy, highlights the ongoing debate surrounding gun ownership and mental health awareness in the United States.
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