In a recent interview, the family that provided shelter to Nikolas Cruz, the shooter involved in the tragic Stoneman Douglas High School incident, expressed their belief that he had the right to own firearms. Despite knowing about Cruz’s battle with depression and his history of violent behavior, the Snead family maintained that he should have access to guns, including multiple AR-15s.
James and Kimberly Snead spoke candidly with CBS News, revealing that Cruz had been living with them for about three months prior to the shooting. A report from the Florida Department of Children and Families noted that Cruz was diagnosed with depression, ADHD, and autism, and that local law enforcement had responded to numerous incidents at his mother’s home, some of which involved violent outbursts.
When asked if they were concerned about Cruz having access to firearms, James Snead stated, “No, he was just depressed. We thought he was just depressed over his mother’s death.” The Sneads emphasized their belief in Cruz’s right to gun ownership, even as they admitted to misunderstanding the number of keys to the gun safe where Cruz’s firearms were stored. While they thought they possessed the only key, it is now suspected that Cruz had a second key, which raised concerns about gun safety during his stay.
Despite the serious implications of Cruz’s access to guns, the Sneads remained firm in their stance. James Snead remarked, “I have guns. I respect guns as long as they’re handled properly, safely.” When questioned about the appropriateness of a 19-year-old possessing an AR-15, he responded, “It’s his right to have it.” When pressed further about whether he feels differently now, he replied, “No. Nope.”
Statistics reveal a troubling reality. A study published in the journal Pediatrics highlighted that nearly 1,300 children die from gun-related injuries annually, with many more treated for gunshot wounds. For children aged 17 and under, the causes of gun-related fatalities included homicides, suicides, and accidental shootings. The American Academy of Pediatrics has long advocated for gun safety measures, including the removal of firearms from homes, comprehensive safety protocols, mental health evaluations for gun purchasers, and a ban on assault weapons.
When asked if they felt any sense of responsibility for the shooting, James Snead expressed remorse for the victims’ families but maintained that they wouldn’t have acted differently. “We feel heartfelt sorrow for the families involved. As far as being responsible, feeling responsibility, you know we worked that out and there was nothing different we would have done,” he stated.
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In summary, the Snead family’s defense of Nikolas Cruz’s gun ownership sheds light on the ongoing debate about gun rights, mental health, and responsibility. Their perspective raises critical questions about the balance between individual rights and public safety—a topic that continues to resonate in American society today.