Turkey strongly condemns Florida high school shooting

ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

Ankara expressed “deep sorrow” over shooting in a Florida high school that claimed 17 lives, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said on Feb. 15.

“We strongly condemn the attack and convey condolences to the American people and families of those who lost their lives during the incident,” the ministry said in a statement.

At least 17 people were killed on Feb. 14 when a lone gunman opened fire at a high school in Florida, according to police.

Officials said the victims were a mix of students and adults.

Twelve victims were slain inside Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Two others were killed outside the school, one was killed on the street and two others died at a local hospital. Some victims are undergoing surgery, Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel told reporters.

Israel identified the shooter as 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz, a former Stoneman Douglas student who Israel said had been expelled from school for disciplinary reasons.