WORLD
Students and teachers returned to a Florida school for the first time since 17 people were killed there, consoling each other even as they called for swift action to address gun violence.
Students and teachers returned to a Florida school for the first time since 17 people were killed there, consoling each other even as they called for swift action to address gun violence.
"Imagine (being) in a plane crash and then having to get on the same plane every day and fly somewhere else, it's never going to be the same," David Hogg, a survivor of the February 14 shooting at a Parkland, Florida high school, told ABC television's "This Week."
The school held a voluntary "orientation" Sunday, with teachers and staff due back starting Monday and classes resuming on Wednesday -- a prospect described as "daunting" and "scary," but which is also a step for survivors to move forward after the attack.
One teacher who had already been back told NPR radio that the shock of returning to a classroom left exactly as it had been during the attack -- notebooks still on desks, the calendar still set to February 14 -- made her so physically ill she had to leave.
But Cameron Kasky, a student who survived the attack, tweeted a picture of people on campus, saying: "It is GOOD TO BE HOME." "I have all my friends here with me and it just makes me feel like I'm not alone in this situation," student Michelle Dittmeier, who attended the orientation, told ABC.
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School also received support from alumni, with previous graduating classes making banners to decorate the school, the WSVN news reported.
Amid ardent demands by students like Hogg for action, President Donald Trump has said he is open to raising the minimum age for gun purchases and to banning so-called bump stocks, which can effectively convert semi-automatic weapons into automatic firearms.
Speaking at the Governors Ball ahead of meetings with the top officials from all 50 states on Monday, Trump said that school safety is a top priority: "I think we'll make that first on our list." A new CNN poll, conducted a week after the Florida shooting, shows surging public support for stricter gun laws -- surpassing levels seen even after other horrific shootings of recent years -- and for a ban on powerful semi-automatic weapons like the AR-15 used in Parkland.
Overall, 70 percent of those surveyed said they supported stricter gun laws, up from 52 percent in October, and 57 percent favored a ban on semi-automatic arms, an increase from 49 per cent.
Florida Governor Rick Scott has laid out a plan to station a police officer at every public school in the state, raise the legal age for gun purchases from 18 to 21 and pass a "red flag" law for authorities to more easily remove guns from the mentally ill or people with violent histories.
The age change and "red flag" law are staunchly opposed by the influential National Rifle Association, of which Scott is a member.
Scott, who holds the NRA's highest rating of A+, noted on "Fox News Sunday" that "there will be some that disagree. But... I want my state to be safe." Trump had Scott stand up to applause on Sunday, telling him: "You're doing a great job." Florida was also the scene of a June 2016 shooting at an Orlando nightclub that left 49 people dead.
Meet CEO of one of world's biggest IT firms, who will undergo treatment for breast cancer
No bank holiday on Eid al-Fitr this year? Know reason behind this
Indian doctor claims THIS about paneer, milk, prompts debate on social media, netizens say...
Every home of THIS town owns a private jet, has unique street names, it is located in...
'Delight to meet Elon Musk's family...': PM Modi after call-on by Tesla CEO accompanied by his kids
Meet IAS officer, who cleared UPSC exam after getting inspired by Virat Kohli, her AIR was...
Happy Valentine's Day 2025: Wishes, WhatsApp messages, images, quotes to share with your partner
DNA TV Show: World Records in Mahakumbh 2025
Vidya Balan enjoys Sanam Teri Kasam in theatre, pens special note for team: 'Mawra aap kamaal ho'
Meet woman who owns Delhi's most expensive home worth Rs..., not Nita Ambani, Priti Adani
Samay Raina to perform in Mumbai on March 27 amid India's Got Latent controversy
Little girl's adorable dance to 'Khadke Glassy' wins hearts online, WATCH viral video
'Whole India in one coach’: Viral video shows chaos in first-class train to Mahakumbh, WATCH
Chhaava Movie Review: A groundbreaking epic that redefines the blockbuster experience
Gautam Adani pulls out of BIG Rs 8684 crore power project in THIS country due to...
Group of musicians perform iconic theme of 'Tom & Jerry' but here's a twist! WATCH viral video
ICC punishes Shaheen Afridi, two Pakistan stars for doing THIS vs South Africa
President's Rule imposed in Manipur days after N Biren Singh resigns as CM
Ramadan 2025: When will the holy month of Muslims begin in India? Know all details
Good news for India's richest banker, RBI lifts ban on his Rs 392000 crore company, allows it to...
WPL 2025 Opening Ceremony: Performers list, date, time, venue, live streaming - All you need to know
Meet man, aka coolest grandpa, who still works as actor and model at 89, he is from...
Meet IAS officer, who cracked UPSC exam in 2009, now promoted to key post in GOI as...
Honda, Nissan call off Rs 521825 crore merger, the reason is…
Valentine's Day 2025: Why do we celebrate this day? Know here
Ne Zha 2: Everything you need to know about the Chinese animated blockbuster
How I Can Make Your Child into an Ivy Leaguer: A Parent’s Guide to Success with Caroline Linger
Meet China’s newest billionaire, who runs bubble tea business, his net worth is Rs...
Top Government Schemes for Farmers, Artisans, and Students You Should Not Miss!
Why did RCB chose Rajat Patidar as captain over Virat Kohli? Team director Mo Bobat explains
Valentine’s Day 2025: Perfect last-minute gifts ideas for your partner
Man who saved Rishabh Pant's life in 2022 car accident, attempts suicide with girlfriend, she dies
FASTag New rule: All you need to know to avoid extra charges from February 17
Throwback: How did Rohit Sharma propose to Ritika Sajdeh? WATCH viral video
Did Ram Charan unfollow Allu Arjun after his father took a dig at Game Changer? Here's what we know
Who Are The Top 5 Most Influential Astrologers In India In 2025?
Delhi-NCR schools holiday: Are Delhi, Gurugram, Noida schools closed on Feb 14? Check here
THESE cricketers unfollowed Ranveer Allahbadia on social media amid India's Got Latent controversy?
‘Broke in 50 days’: Accenture employee-investor loses Rs 8 lakh in a day, his net worth is Rs…
Microsoft inaugurates new campus in THIS Indian city, plans to hire...
Shah Rukh Khan once bought laptop for Aamir Khan but he did not open it for...years because...
New Income Tax Bill 2025: FM Nirmala Sitharaman tables the new income tax bill in Lok Sabha
Emirates flight attendant's BTS video sparks firing rumours, airline responds, see post here
Anupam Mittal asks Namita Thapar to quit Shark Tank India because...: 'If you're...'
Meet comedian who was slapped, kicked out of film set by...; his net worth is now...