Former sheriff's deputy charged for lack of response in Florida school shooting

I think the guy is a coward, but is there really a law against that?

So much for the NRA “good guy with a gun” lie.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court has already decided that police officers can not be forced to endanger their lives in order to protect the public, I'm not sure how, or why, Broward County State Attorney Mike Satz is charging a police officer for choosing not to risk his own life. Being a police officer is a job. Soldiers can be ordered into the line of fire. Police officers can not. Of course, a police officer can be fired for not doing their duty.

This case will be tossed out, or overturned. 

Is Satz running for some public office?

Looking for someone else to blame, then? I can understand the family anguish. But so much blame onto this one poor guy?

He is a scapegoat, with the added benefit of hindsight.

The guy is no hero, but other officers held back too, according to the report. "Some sheriff's deputies held back too long as shots were fired instead of rushing toward the gunfire, according to a 485-page report"...

No more cushy security job.

So get them all trained up!

"Had this individual done his job, lives would have been saved. Actions (or inaction) have consequences," he said in a statement.

This is supposition: it is also possible that had the guy gone into the building he might have been shot dead immediately, adding to the death toll.

If Rick Scott is so concerned about saving lives why doesn't he do something to stop lunatics from getting their hands on guns? If Scott did his job lives could be saved.

It is rather ironic that Florida charges a cop who did nothing but almost never charges cops who actually kill people.

But I have to admit going against an assault rifle with a pistol and no backup would have been suicide.

It's hard to know what to make of this story.

On the one hand, you have this guy who chickened out when he was desperately needed by so many.

On the other hand, the problem is not Mr. Chicken but the NRA and the politicians who make this public shooting gallery atmosphere a reality.

stormcrow - It's hard to know what to make of this story.

On the one hand, you have this guy who chickened out when he was desperately needed by so many.

On the other hand, the problem is not Mr. Chicken but the NRA and the politicians who make this public shooting gallery atmosphere a reality.

On the other hand, you forgot to mention the monster who chose to murder people. I believe he is the person responsible for all of the carnage, and death.

On the other hand, you forgot to mention the monster who chose to murder people. I believe he is the person responsible for all of the carnage, and death.

I agree. That’s why it’s ridiculous to be charging this deputy.

No one who is not military (aka property) should legally be required to give their life for their job. Not even police. They are there because they have an ideal, to serve the people. I think it’s safe to say that nearly everyone who enters law enforcement with that ideal. To then say that person has criminal liability if/when they chicken out because there are bullets flying, is absolutely ridiculous. It punishes a natural human reaction in a situation that someone else created.

This is the quintessential Age of Outrage response. SOMEONE MUST PAY!!! “It has to be someone’s fault”.

Bringing charges against the clearly wrong party hurts society in an extremely damaging manner. How many of those who want to serve the people, but aren’t sure how they would react in such a situation, may decide not to join law enforcement in Florida now?

This is a pure example of cutting off your nose to spite your face.