Parkland shooter signs away rights to his name. Now, just one survivor owns it.

A landmark legal settlement has granted Anthony Borges, a survivor of the Parkland shooting, the rights to the name of gunman Nikolas Cruz, effectively barring Cruz from any public commentary or interviews without Borges' permission. This arrangement stems from the tragic events of February 14, 2018, when Cruz murdered 17 people and wounded many others at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Borges, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds but survived, has consistently testified against Cruz and has no intention of profiting from this arrangement. His lawyer, Alex Arreaza, stated that the goal of this settlement is to "shut him out," ensuring that Cruz cannot control the narrative surrounding the incident. As Borges reflects on the trauma of that day, he emphasizes that he is not driven by a desire for revenge but rather aims to protect the dignity of the victims and survivors.

The settlement highlights the continuing emotional impact on the Parkland community, as many families have filed lawsuits against various entities for their roles in the tragedy. With this agreement, Borges stands as a symbol of resilience, focusing on healing rather than retribution. The legal decision represents a shift in how survivor narratives can be shaped in the aftermath of mass violence.