In the wake of the tragic shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, the family that provided shelter to Nikolas Cruz has chosen to defend their decision to allow him access to firearms. Despite being aware of his struggles with mental health, including depression and a history of violent behavior, they maintained that Cruz had the right to possess several guns, including AR-15s.
Understanding Cruz’s Mental Health Issues
In an interview with CBS News, the couple, Mark and Lisa Jennings, discussed their understanding of Cruz’s mental health issues and the implications of his gun ownership. Cruz had lived with the Jennings for approximately three months prior to the deadly incident that claimed 17 lives. A report from the Florida Department of Children and Families revealed that Cruz had been diagnosed with ADHD, autism, and depression. In addition, local authorities had responded to numerous calls to his mother’s home regarding alleged violent incidents involving Cruz from 2011 to 2016.
The Jennings’ Perspective
When asked about the potential dangers of Cruz having access to firearms, Mark Jennings expressed, “No, we just thought he was grieving over losing his mother.” Their belief in Cruz’s rights remained firm even after acknowledging his mental health struggles. Although they attempted to secure the guns in a safe, the Jennings admitted they were mistaken about the number of keys, suggesting Cruz may have had access to a second key.
“I knew he had five or six guns,” Mark Jennings stated. “I didn’t know what types they were. It didn’t matter to me; I respect firearms as long as they are used safely.” When questioned by CBS News if a 19-year-old should possess an AR-15, he replied, “It’s his right to have it.” Even when pressed about whether he feels differently now in light of the tragedy, Jennings replied firmly, “No. Nope.”
Research on Gun-Related Injuries
Research published in the journal Pediatrics highlights that nearly 1,300 children die from gun-related injuries annually, with the majority of these deaths resulting from homicides, suicides, and accidents. The American Academy of Pediatrics advocates for measures to prevent these incidents, including secure gun storage and restrictions on gun purchases for individuals with mental health issues. Yet, the Jennings expressed no feelings of responsibility regarding the shooting. “We feel deep sorrow for the victims’ families, but we wouldn’t have acted differently,” Mark Jennings concluded.
Related Resources
For those exploring topics related to family planning and self-insemination, resources like this article and this one from Make A Mom provide valuable insights. Additionally, you can find more information on the process of artificial insemination at Wikipedia.
Conclusion
In summary, the Jennings family stands by their decision to allow Nikolas Cruz to possess firearms, despite awareness of his mental health challenges. Their stance raises significant questions about gun rights and responsibilities, especially in the face of tragic events.
Keyphrase: Parkland shooter family gun rights
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]