A classroom building at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, where a 2018 mass shooting tragically claimed 17 lives, started being demolished last week. This event stirred profound memories for the families and friends of the victims.
The building had been preserved as evidence for the trial of the shooter, identified as Nikolas Cruz, who was ultimately sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The decision to demolish the structure was announced last year.
According to a statement from the Broward County Public Schools, the decision was made in consultation with health and safety experts, taking into account the well-being of students and staff on campus.
In a symbolic gesture, families were invited to witness the initial demolition and, if they wished, to take a swing at the walls themselves. "Obviously, today is a very, very sad day. It's a reminder that I don't have my little one here," Max Schachter, whose son, Alex, died in the shooting, told Local 10.
Former student Bryan Lequerique, present for the demolition, also recalled harrowing moments from that day. "The fire alarms, the screams, the police entering with their hands in the air... very traumatic," he stated.
The demolition is scheduled to occur Monday through Friday until 4:30 pm, with plans to complete it before the students return after the summer vacation in August.
Reflecting on the demolition process, Max Schachter shared that he had passed by the building more than ten times. Lori Alhadeff, whose daughter Alyssa was among the victims and who now serves on the Broward School Board, mentioned that she continues to think of her daughter and the daily pain she endures.
Once the walls are down, the plan is to create a memorial space to honor the victims of that tragic event, although the Broward County School Board has not yet decided on a replacement for the building.
Some proposed ideas include a practice field for the Junior ROTC band, to which several of the slain students belonged, connected by a landscaped path to a nearby monument erected a few years ago.
According to Local 10, Broward County is not the only district to demolish a school building following a mass shooting. In Connecticut, Sandy Hook Elementary was demolished and replaced after the 2012 shooting. In Texas, authorities closed Robb Elementary in Uvalde following the 2022 shooting and plan to demolish it. In Colorado, the library at Columbine High School was demolished after the 1999 shooting.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Demolition
This FAQ section addresses some common questions and responses related to the demolition of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School building following the 2018 mass shooting.
Why was the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School building preserved for so long?
The building was preserved as evidence for the trial of the shooter, Nikolas Cruz, who was ultimately sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.
What will replace the demolished building at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School?
While the final decision has not been made, some proposals include a practice field for the Junior ROTC band, connected by a landscaped path to a nearby monument.
Are there other examples of schools being demolished after mass shootings?
Yes, similar actions were taken at Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut, Robb Elementary in Texas, and Columbine High School's library in Colorado after their respective shootings.