Parkland father calls out 'charlatan' David Hogg for 'absolute revisionist history' on Florida law



Ryan Petty, who lost his daughter Alaina in the 2018 Parkland school massacre, called out David Hogg on Sunday for pushing "absolute revisionist history."

Hogg was part of a group of pro-gun-control students from Stoneman Douglas High School who received national media attention after the tragedy. The students notably launched Never Again MSD and organized March for Our Lives.

What happened?

Taking to social media to advance his pro-gun-control agenda, Hogg claimed he and his fellow students successfully worked with politicians to pass the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act.

"I understand there are many disagreements about what we should do but the important thing is we all agree we need to do something," Hogg said. "In the week of Parkland we worked with our Republican Legislature and governor and got gun safety past [sic] Congress can do the same."

He added, "The law that we created has been used nearly 6000 times including one time to disarm somebody through a court order who threaten to kill my own mother. These laws work."

\u201cThe law that we created has been used nearly 6000 times including one time to disarm somebody through a court order who threaten to kill my own mother. These laws work.\u201d
— David Hogg \ud83c\udf3b (@David Hogg \ud83c\udf3b) 1653850035

But according to Petty, Hogg only complicated the legislative process that resulted in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act being made law.

"This is absolute revisionist history and quite frankly, BS," Petty responded. "You did nothing but make it more difficult for us to get the MSD bill passed in the Florida Legislature. It's time to sit down, you charlatan."

\u201cThis is absolute revisionist history and quite frankly, BS. You did nothing but make it more difficult for us to get the MSD bill passed in the Florida Legislature. It's time to sit down, you charlatan.\u201d
— Ryan Petty (@Ryan Petty) 1653873352

Petty then pointed to articles that debunked the narrative that the pro-gun-control students organized a national response by themselves with little help. In reality, the students were supported by Democratic politicians, progressive and liberal advocacy organizations, and even Hollywood celebrities like George Clooney.

In fact, "the reason we got anything done was because the legislative focus after Parkland WAS NOT just guns," Petty later added.

Anything else?

NBC News reporter Marc Caputo confirmed what Petty said.

"For two decades, I’ve covered Florida politics and the Legislature —including the MSD bill," Caputo said on Monday.

"I can confirm the GOP-led Legislature was most moved by the urging of the parents," he explained. "The two conservatives, Ryan & @AndrewPollackFL, were the most persuasive & played outsized roles."

\u201cFor two decades, I\u2019ve covered Florida politics and the Legislature \u2014including the MSD bill\n\nI can confirm the GOP-led Legislature was most moved by the urging of the parents\n\nThe two conservatives, Ryan & @AndrewPollackFL, were the most persuasive & played outsized roles\u201d
— Marc Caputo (@Marc Caputo) 1653940822

Judge flabbergasted by woman's 'sugar daddy' excuse to get out of jury duty for Parkland shooting trial



People will concoct outlandish excuses to get out of jury duty. One potential juror in the Parkland shooting trial had a unique reason why she couldn't fulfill her civic duty. The possible juror said she couldn't serve jury duty because she had prior obligations with her "sugar daddy."

Parkland gunman Nikolas Cruz pleaded guilty in October to 17 counts of first-degree murder and 17 counts of attempted murder for the February 2018 massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

On Monday, the three-step jury selection began, and is expected to last two months, according to the New York Post.

During jury selection, the judge of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court in Florida asked if anyone had any concerns or questions. One potential juror's response left Judge Elizabeth Scherer flabbergasted.

The prospective juror, who was identified as "Miss Bristol," had issues with serving jury duty in the Parkland shooting trial because it interfered with several family birthdays and engagements with her sugar daddy, who she sees "every day" despite being married.

“This is a whole entire month,” the woman tells the judge. “First of all let me clarify myself, July 2nd is my birthday, 4th is my son, and the 18th is my other son. That ain't gonna work out for me."

Scherer asks Miss Bristol to talk slower.

“Don’t talk too fast, we have to be able to understand," Judge Scherer requests before asking, "So you said that the July, there’s dates in July that you’re not available? What are those dates?”

Miss Bristol clarifies, "July 7th, July 4th, and July 18th."

"And again, I need to figure out something. I have my sugar daddy that I see every day,” Bristol says, according to courtroom video.

A befuddled Judge Scherer quizzically inquires, "I’m sorry?"

Bristol reiterates, “My sugar daddy."

Scherer, who is still befuddled, responds, “OK, I’m not exactly sure what you’re talking about."

The potential juror explains, "I’m married, and I have my sugar daddy. I see him every day."

The flummoxed Judge Scherer replies, "OK. All right. Ma’am, we’ll come back to you, OK? Thank you."

Fox News reported that more than 120 of the first 160 possible juror candidates were dismissed by Judge Scherer, including Miss Bristol. A total of 12 jurors and eight alternatives will be selected.

The jury will not decide whether Cruz committed the murders, but will decide whether or not he will be sentenced to life in prison or be giventhe death penalty.

On Monday, Judge Scherer permitted the jury to take a tour of the crime scene at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The defense had argued that a tour was not necessary because there are videos and photos of the crime scene.

"The Court finds that a jury view of the crime scene remains useful and proper, even in light of the current posture of the case," Scherer wrote in a ruling. "The purpose of a jury view is to assist the jury in analyzing and applying the evidence presented at trial."

Mom released from Parkland jury because of her sugar daddy www.youtube.com

Parkland shooter Nikolas Cruz issues lengthy statement after pleading guilty to mass killing at high school: ‘I love you ... I’m sorry’



Parkland school shooter Nikolas Cruz issued a lengthy statement after he pleaded guilty to killing 17 people and injuring 17 more during a 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

Cruz pleaded guilty Wednesday to 17 charges of first-degree murder as well as 17 charges of attempted murder.

What are the details?

After entering the guilty plea, the 23-year-old Cruz addressed Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer and said he believed that the victims and their families ought to determine whether he receives the death penalty or a life sentence.

"I am very sorry for what I did and I have to live with it every day. And if I were to get a second chance, I would do everything in my power to try to help others," Cruz said. "I am doing this for you and I do not care if you do not believe me, and I love you, and I know you don't believe me but I have to live with this every day and it brings me nightmares and I can't live with myself sometimes, but I try to push through because I know that's what you would want me to do."

According to Fox News, Cruz added, "I hate drugs, and I believe this country would do better if everyone would stop smoking marijuana and doing all these drugs and causing racism and violence out in the streets. I'm sorry, and I can't even watch TV anymore. I just want you to know that I'm really sorry, and I hope you give me a chance to try to help others. I believe it's your decision to decide where I go — whether I live or die. Not the jury's. I believe it's your decision. I'm sorry."

Cruz will now face a jury that will decide whether he should serve a life term in prison or seek the death penalty.

Scherer will begin juror screenings next month with hopes testimony can begin in January.

What else?

Cruz's guilty plea comes just one day after Parkland victims and their families received a $25 million settlement with Broward County Public Schools.

In a statement on behalf of some of the parents, Attorney David Brill said, "There isn't enough money in existence that would compensate the victims and their families adequately. But this settlement provides a measure of justice and accountability to them and the other families and victims."

Broward County superintendent charged with lying to grand jury in Parkland shooting probe



The superintendent of the Florida school district where 17 students and staff were killed during a 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, has been arrested for allegedly lying to a grand jury investigating events surrounding the massacre.

What are the details?

Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie, 51, was detained by agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Wednesday morning, according to a news release issued by the department. The school board's general counsel, Barbara Myrick, 72, was also arrested.

Law enforcement reported that Runcie was charged with perjury in an official proceeding, a third-degree felony, while Myrick was arrested on a charge of unlawful disclosure of statewide grand jury proceedings, which is also a third-degree felony. Both charges are punishable by up to 5 years in prison.

Since grand jury documents are sealed, details are sparse on what exactly Runcie and Myrick are accused of lying about. Though the FDLE news release stated the grand jury investigation primarily has to do with "possible failures in following school-related safety laws and mismanaging funds solicited for school safety initiatives."

According to the Associated Press, Runcie's indictment states that the grand jury, which was empaneled two years ago, is also investigating whether:

— Public agencies are using state safety grants for other purposes.

— Broward school officials misappropriated millions of dollars from a bond measure aimed at improving campus safety. It was approved by county voters almost four years before the shooting.

— Officials intentionally underreported on-campus crimes committed by students. Since the shooting, Runcie and district administrators have been accused by critics of lying about school crime rates and discipline problems.

The Florida Sun-Sentinel reported that while the grand jury's primary focus initially was to review school safety in the aftermath of the Parkland massacre, the scope of the probe has since expanded to include corruption and mismanagement in district operations.

What else?

The local outlet also reported, "Runcie has been superintendent since 2011 and makes $356,000 a year. Myrick has been general counsel since 2016 and a district employee since 2002. She makes $220,000."

In response to news of the arrests, School Board Chairwoman Rosalind Osgood issued a statement Wednesday saying the district would "operate as normal under the District's leadership team."

She added that the board would "provide transparency, accountability and integrity as we continue to focus on delivering the highest quality educational experience for our students, teachers and staff."

Tony Montalto, president of a group that represents the families of Parkland shooting victims, said Wednesday he is "thankful" to Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis for ordering the grand jury investigation, the AP reported.

"It is important that we get the facts about what happened and then hold those responsible accountable and implement positive change," said Montalto, who lost his 14-year-old daughter Gina in the shooting.

Biden Pushes Gun Control On Parkland Shooting Anniversary

'This Administration will not wait for the next mass shooting'

Biden uses Parkland anniversary to call on Congress to enact gun reforms: ban 'assault weapons' and 'weapons of war'



On the third anniversary of the Parkland school shooting, President Joe Biden called on Congress to implement "commonsense gun law reforms."

On Sunday, Biden made remarks about the horrific 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

"Three years ago today, a lone gunman took the lives of 14 students and three educators at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida," Biden said in a statement. "In seconds, the lives of dozens of families, and the life of an American community, were changed forever."

Biden called for gun control.

"This Administration will not wait for the next mass shooting to heed that call," the president stated. "We will take action to end our epidemic of gun violence and make our schools and communities safer."

"Today, I am calling on Congress to enact commonsense gun law reforms, including requiring background checks on all gun sales, banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and eliminating immunity for gun manufacturers who knowingly put weapons of war on our streets," Biden declared. "We owe it to all those we've lost and to all those left behind to grieve to make a change. The time to act is now."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) also marked the anniversary of the tragedy by detailing how Democrats would enact gun control measures in Congress.

Pelosi proclaimed, "Today, we continue to grieve and work with the Parkland families and survivors who have turned their pain into courageous action, inspiring a movement across the country to say, 'Enough is enough!'

"Last Congress, moved by the daily epidemic of gun violence and guided by the millions of young people marching for their lives, House Democrats took bold action to save lives and end the bloodshed by passing H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act, and H.R. 1112, the Enhanced Background Checks Act," Pelosi said in a statement on Sunday.

"Now, working with the Democratic Senate and Biden-Harris Administration, we will enact these and other life-saving bills and deliver the progress that the Parkland community and the American people deserve and demand," Pelosi claimed.

To commemorate the lives lost from the Parkland shooting, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered flags to be flown at half-mast on Sunday. The Republican governor also implored Floridians to join him in a "moment of silence" at 3 p.m. in remembrance of the lives lost in the shooting.

DeSantis asked the country to mourn the lives of the victims, "Whereas, our state and nation continue to mourn and will always remember the lives of Alyssa Alhadeff, Scott Beigel, Martin Duque Anguiano, Nicholas Dworet, Aaron Feis, Jaime Guttenberg, Chris Hixon, Luke Hoyer, Cara Loughran, Gina Montalto, Joaquin Oliver, Alaina Petty, Meadow Pollack, Helena Ramsay, Alex Schachter, Carmen Schentrup and Peter Wang."

Our state and nation will never forget February 14, 2018. We remember the 17 innocent lives that were lost on tha… https://t.co/0hJrUBYSUi
— Ron DeSantis (@Ron DeSantis)1613307319.0

The Parkland school shooting perpetrator is still awaiting trial.

"The case could have been all over by now. [The alleged shooter's] lawyers have repeatedly said he would plead guilty in exchange for a life sentence. But prosecutors won't budge on seeking the death penalty at trial," the Associated Press reported.

EXCLUSIVE: Marjorie Taylor Greene Stands By Video Showing Her Harassing David Hogg

'Oppose the radical gun control agenda.'

Marjorie Taylor Greene Harassed Parkland Shooting Survivor, Video Shows

'He’s paid to do this'

Parkland parents use artificial intelligence video of their dead son to push gun control



The parents of a student killed during the Feb. 14, 2018, mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, recently used an artificial intelligence video of their dead son to promote gun control.

In the aftermath of their 17-year-old son, Joaquin "Guac" Oliver's death, Manuel and Patricia Oliver founded the nonprofit organization Change The Ref to help empower young people to advance reform on a number of issues, but most notably gun violence, the Associated Press reported.

As a part of an initiative to get-out-the-vote among young people, the Olivers worked with a team of artists to create a video of their son urging viewers to vote for politicians who support gun control.

The upcoming election would have been the first one in which Joaquin could have cast his vote.

"I've been gone for two years and nothing's changed, bro. People are still getting killed by guns ... what is that?" he passionately exclaims in the video. "I'm tired of waiting for someone to fix it.

"I'll never get to choose the kind of world I wanted to live in, so you've got to replace my vote," he continues. "Vote for politicians who care more about people's lives than the gun lobby's money. Vote for people not getting shot, bro."

UnfinishedVotes.com youtu.be

The Olivers reportedly helped craft every detail of the video, from their son's wardrobe to his mannerisms to the very words he spoke.

"It's something where you just put the dots together if you see his posts, the way he thinks, he was still thinking, the way he was expressing his frustration about situations," Patricia Oliver told the AP in a phone interview.

"We are letting Joaquin grow into his ideas ... and how he will be reacting to things that are happening today. We know our son so well and we knew exactly what he wanted from life," Manuel Oliver added.

The report suggested that Joaquin had been politically active from a young age. When he was 12, he reportedly penned a letter to gunmakers asking why they didn't support universal background checks.

His mother said the lifelike video was extremely difficult for her to watch.

"I couldn't even breathe well," she said. "Of course we know that is not Joaquin, but they did such an amazing job with the technology that you can't say, 'Oh my God, how I wish that could be the real Joaquin there talking to everybody.'"

His father, who has been keeping his son's gun control message alive using his artistic abilities, said of the video: "I wouldn't describe this as painful but as powerful."

On his son's birthday, Manuel Oliver painted a mural outside of the National Rifle Association's headquarters in Virginia. He painted another mural near the headquarters of major gunmaker, Smith & Wesson, in Massachusetts.