Parkland School Shooter’s Brother Arrested For School Trespassing In Virginia

The younger brother of Parkland high school mass shooter Nikolas Cruz was arrested in Virginia this week for allegedly trespassing at three schools, authorities said.

The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office said that on Jan. 25, 24-year-old Zachary P. Cruz was observed on the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center Complex after hours at around 11:30 p.m. During an investigation by the sheriff’s office, Woodrow Wilson Police Department, and Virginia State Police, Augusta County Public Schools surveillance videos revealed Cruz allegedly went onto the properties of Wilson Middle School, Wilson High School, and the Valley Career and Technical Center after operational hours on Jan. 25.

“The footage shows Mr. Cruz approaching exterior doors, attempting to open them, and peering inside, indicating efforts to gain unauthorized access,” the sheriff’s office said.

Cruz was arrested on Tuesday, Feb. 4, and charged with three misdemeanor counts of trespassing.

Nikolas Cruz carried out the deadliest high school shooting in U.S. history, killing 17 people and injuring 17 others at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., on Feb. 14, 2018.

On Thursday, parents in the Augusta school district became alarmed when video was live-streamed from multiple schools within the Wilson School complex.

“I want to assure the public that this video, which was live-streamed by Cruzs attorney and later posted on social media, did not involve Cruz physically being present at any of the county school properties,” Sheriff Donald L. Smith said in a statement. Smith said that Cruz was still incarcerated at the time the video was recorded, though he was released later Thursday afternoon.

“I understand how troubling this situation has been for you, your families, and our community. The safety and security of all students, staff and community members are our top priorities. I want to assure you this matter is being taken very seriously,” Smith said.

The sheriff’s office, state police, and school administration “have implemented heightened security measures, including increased law enforcement presence on and around school grounds,” Smith said.

“Additionally, we are closely monitoring any potential threats and staying in communication with school officials to ensure all necessary precautions are in place,” Smith said.

“We encourage parents, students and staff to remain alert and report any suspicious activity,” Smith said. “The collective effort of law enforcement, school officials, and the community is essential to maintaining a safe environment for everyone.”