Broward Sheriff’s Deputy Scot Peterson Doesn’t Think He’s A Coward, FYI

Scot Peterson, the Broward sheriff’s deputy who hopelessly stood outside as a shooter opened fire on students in Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, wants you to know that he’s definitely not a coward and HE MEANS IT.

He released a statement through his lawyer Monday and actually had the nerve to say that his actions “were appropriate under the circumstances.”

Tell that to the parents of those kids buddy.

Peterson “heard gunshots but believed those gunshots were originating from outside of the buildings on the school campus,” according to the release. “BSO trains its officers that in the event of outdoor gunfire one is to seek cover and assess the situation in order to communicate what one observes with other law enforcement.”

“Allegations that Mr. Peterson was a coward and that his performance, under the circumstances, failed to meet the standards of police officers are patently untrue,” according to the statement sent from the office of Fort Lauderdale attorney Joseph DiRuzzo.

OH. So it’s my mistake. Sorry. I had no idea Sheriff Israel’s protocol involved hiding behind a tree. My bad.

Monday’s statement comes four days after Broward Sheriff Scott Israel, in a stunning revelation, singled out Peterson for failing to engage school shooter Nikolas Cruz. The sheriff said Peterson waited outside Building 12 for four full minutes while Cruz continued the slaughter inside.

Officers are taught to engage active shooters immediately and not wait for backup.

“I am devastated. Sick to my stomach. He never went in,” Israel said during a news conference Thursday.

This clearly isn’t Peterson’s fault (he’s so brave!), and certainly not Sheriff Israel’s fault (he’s an awesome leader!).

This is the NRA’s fault, idiots. Start realizing that.

h/t Miami Herald