PARKLAND, Florida – Over six years since the tragic shooting that claimed the lives of 17 students and staff at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the process of demolishing the three-story building where the massacre occurred has begun as of Friday.
The removal of the building is expected to span several weeks, with authorities aiming to complete the demolition before the school’s 3,300 students return to the campus in August. However, heavy rain and flooding caused a one-day delay in the initial demolition plans.
According to Broward County’s school district, the mechanical demolition process will involve dismantling the structure in sections, starting with the top floor. Crews have diligently cleaned and cleared the building, ensuring compliance with state and Environmental Protection Agency regulations for landfill disposal. Additionally, survivors, families of victims, teachers, and staff have been given the opportunity to retrieve any items they wished to keep from the building.
The building had served as a crucial piece of evidence during the trials of the shooter in 2022 and an on-campus deputy accused of child abuse in 2023. Despite invitations extended to members of the victims’ families to witness the demolition, opinions remain divided on whether the building should be removed.
Among those supporting the demolition is Lori Alhadeff, whose 14-year-old daughter, Alyssa, was tragically killed in the school shooting. Conversely, some argue that the structure should be preserved as a reminder of the tragedy and an opportunity to implement stronger safety measures in the future.
Prior to the demolition, parents of the victims led tours of the building for public officials, including Vice President Kamala Harris, members of Congress, and law enforcement personnel, emphasizing the importance of enhanced safety measures like bullet-resistant glass and secure interior-locking doors to prevent future tragedies.
As the community grapples with the decision to remove the building, discussions are underway regarding the future use of the space. Proposed ideas include transforming the area into a practice field for the school band and Junior ROTC, activities in which several of the victims were involved.
Reflecting on the emotional impact of touring the building, Max Schachter, who lost his 14-year-old son in the shooting, emphasized the significance of preserving the structure to illustrate how improved safety protocols can save lives. The demolition of buildings associated with mass school shootings, such as the library at Columbine High School and Sandy Hook Elementary School, underscores the lasting impact of such tragedies on communities.
As the demolition continues, the Broward County school board is faced with decisions on the future use of the space, with input from teachers suggesting ways to honor the memory of the victims while enhancing the school community’s safety and resilience. The somber reminder of the tragedy, as evidenced by jurors’ emotional reactions during the shooter’s trial, serves as a call to action for implementing comprehensive measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.