Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Was Targeted by a Shooter. What to Know About the School

At least 17 people were killed in a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida on Wednesday — the 18th school shooting of the year.

“Today we experiencing the worst of humanity as an unspeakable tragedy has hit our @browardschools family at Marjory Stoneman Douglas HS,” Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie said in a tweet. “There has been a shooting on campus with injuries and fatalities. We are working with law enforcement as we pray for our babies and families.”

The school serves more than 3,200 students in ninth through 12th grade and employs about 130 teachers. It is one of 33 high schools in Broward County Public Schools, which is the sixth largest school district in the U.S. and the second largest district in Florida.

Law enforcement officials identified the suspected gunman as 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz, a former Stoneman Douglas High School student who was expelled from the school for disciplinary reasons. He has been taken into custody.

The high school will be closed for the rest of the week, and all school activities have been canceled. The district said grief counselors will be available for students and staff.

“Our hearts are with the students, families, staff and the entire Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School community as we deal with this tragedy,” Broward County Public Schools said in a tweet. “We’ll provide continuous support for all of the students and families impacted by this heartbreaking situation.”

 

Write to Katie Reilly at Katie.Reilly@time.com.