Parkland survivor agrees to share rights to gunman’s name with other victims’ families

In a pivotal legal agreement, Parkland mass shooting survivor Anthony Borges has decided to share the rights to the name of the shooter, Nikolas Cruz, with the families of other victims, marking a resolution to a contentious legal battle. This agreement comes as a response to the devastating events at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018, where Cruz inflicted unimaginable harm, killing 17 individuals and injuring many others. Borges, who suffered severe injuries, initially negotiated exclusive rights to control how Cruz could articulate his side of the story. Under the newly filed arrangement, the families of victims Meadow Pollack, Alaina Petty, and Luke Hoyer, as well as survivor Maddy Wilford, will join Borges in deciding when Cruz may speak publicly. The Florida “Son of Sam” law prevents Cruz from profiting from his crimes, and this new agreement further ensures he cannot present his narrative in a manner that elicits sympathy.

This collaborative approach not only underscores the united front of the victims' families but also aims to protect their dignity in the aftermath of such a tragic event. The families, alongside Borges, express hope that their collective voice will help navigate the complexities surrounding the gunman’s narrative. As Cruz continues to serve a sentence of 34 consecutive life terms, this legal development highlights the ongoing impact of the tragedy on survivors and the families of victims.