Deputy Acquitted in Parkland Shooting Trial Sparks Controversy

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Source: The New York Times
Deputy Acquitted in Parkland Shooting Trial Sparks Controversy
Photo: The New York Times
TL;DR

Scot Peterson, the former Florida deputy who failed to confront the gunman in the Parkland school shooting, has been acquitted of child neglect, culpable negligence, and perjury charges. Peterson's actions, which involved backing away from the building while the shooting took place, outraged the Parkland community and led to him being labeled as the "coward in Broward." The acquittal comes after a rare trial over police inaction in a school shooting, and it is believed to be the first case of its kind against a police officer. The jury found that prosecutors had not proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Peterson was responsible for the welfare of the students.

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