In a revealing interview, the family that took in Nikolas Cruz, the shooter responsible for the tragic incident at Stoneman Douglas High School, expressed their views on gun ownership despite being aware of his mental health challenges. The couple, who took Cruz into their home for approximately three months prior to the shooting, defended their position on his right to possess firearms, including multiple AR-15 rifles.
James and Emily Carter shared insights with CBS News regarding Cruz’s emotional struggles, the firearms he owned, and their reflections on the devastating event that resulted in 17 fatalities. A report from the Florida Department of Children and Families indicated that Cruz was diagnosed with depression, ADHD, and autism. Moreover, records showed that law enforcement had responded to his mother’s residence numerous times for incidents involving Cruz, some of which were reportedly violent.
When CBS News correspondent John Blackstone inquired if they were concerned about Cruz having access to firearms, James Carter responded, “No, we believed he was just struggling with his mother’s passing.” The couple maintained their stance that Cruz had the right to own guns, despite being aware of his mental health issues. They had intended to secure his firearms in a gun safe, but later realized they might have underestimated the number of keys to that safe, leading them to suspect that Cruz had a duplicate.
James Carter acknowledged, “I was aware he owned five or six guns, but the specifics didn’t concern me. I own guns myself and believe in responsible ownership.” When asked if he considered it appropriate for a 19-year-old to possess an AR-15, he reiterated, “It’s his right to have it.” Blackstone probed further, “Do you feel differently about that now?” to which Carter replied firmly, “No. Nope.”
Research published in the journal Pediatrics highlights the alarming statistics surrounding gun-related injuries among children, noting that nearly 1,300 children die each year from such incidents, with a significant number being homicides, suicides, or accidents. The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes that the most effective way to mitigate the risks associated with youth gun violence is the removal of firearms from homes. They advocate for comprehensive safety measures, including the use of gun safes, waiting periods, mental health evaluations for gun purchasers, and restrictions on assault weapons.
In contrast, the Carters expressed no sense of responsibility for the shooting, stating, “We grieve deeply for the victims’ families, but we have no regrets about our actions.”
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In summary, the Carters’ defense of Nikolas Cruz’s gun ownership rights despite his mental health issues raises critical questions about responsibility and the implications of gun access for individuals with such backgrounds.