Source:
https://scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/2142183/florida-school-shooting-survivor-files-1st-victim
World/ United States & Canada

Florida school shooting survivor files first victim lawsuit against ‘gunman’ Nikolas Cruz and his family

The suit names as defendants Nikolas Cruz, who has been arrested; the estate of his late mother; a family that took him in after his mother’s death; and three mental health facilities that treated him

Nikolas Cruz is led into the courtroom before being arraigned at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on March 14. The first lawsuit by a victim was filed on April 17. Photo: South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP

A teenager who took five bullets in the Florida school mass shooting has become the first victim of the Valentine’s Day rampage to file a lawsuit.

The suit, filed on Tuesday, names as defendants suspected shooter Nikolas Cruz, the estate of his late mother, a family that took him in after his mother’s death, and three mental health facilities that treated him. It seeks unspecified damages.

It was filed on behalf of 15-year-old Anthony Borges, who authorities say was shot while blocking a doorway to protect other students when Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School was attacked.

A Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student looks at memorials to her fellow students in Parkland, Florida, on February 28. Photo: AFP
A Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student looks at memorials to her fellow students in Parkland, Florida, on February 28. Photo: AFP

It’s not clear what assets Cruz has or the amount of his mother’s estate. Cruz could be forced to hire a private lawyer if the assets are substantial.

Cruz, 19, is charged with 17 counts each of murder and attempted murder for the shooting of classmates and teachers at the school. 

The shooting inspired a wave of revulsion across the US, and a student-led movement in favour of more restrictive gun laws.