Scot Peterson, a former Broward County deputy, told the media on Monday that he was eager to be tried for failing to confront the Parkland School Shooter.
Peterson claimed that he will be vindicated if the evidence at trial proves that he helped during the shooting.
“I want to know the truth and if that means going through a court case, then so be it. Peterson said, “I’m excited.”
FLORIDA judge in PARKLAND shooter trial removed from death penalty case for hugging prosecutor
The prosecution has charged Peterson with criminal charges after he failed to enter the 1200 Building five years ago and confront the Parkland High School shooter. (Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun-Sentinel through AP).
He said, “The truth has not been told about the events that occurred in Florida and the rest of the country. Most importantly, the families need to be informed.”
Peterson faces seven charges of child neglect and three counts of culpable negligent .
FATHER OF PARKLAND SHOOTING VICTIM SPEAKS OUT AGAINST SHERIFF TRYING TO GET REINSTATED: ‘NO INTEGRITY AT ALL’
(Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun-Sentinel, via AP).
Peterson is accused by prosecutors of deliberately failing to enter the building to confront Nikolas Cruz, who shot and killed six people in the third floor after the deputy arrived.
Peterson’s defence rejects this description, saying that Peterson was not sure where the shots came from. Defense claims that other witnesses would confirm the confusion about the location of gunman once Peterson arrived.
FATHER OF PARKLAND SHOOTING VICTIM SPEAKS OUT ON TRAGIC ANNIVERSARY: ‘CRIMINALS DON’T OBEY GUN LAWS’
Peterson is a 33-year veteran of law enforcement. He was stationed as a resource deputy at Marjory Stoneman Doug High School when 17 people died in armed conflict on February 14.
Scot. Peterson, in court at a Broward County Courthouse hearing in Fort Lauderdale in May 2022. . (Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun-Sentinel through AP.)
Peterson did not enter the building where Cruz opened fire, but instead took a position on the outside of the building under attack.
Click Here to Download the FOX News App
Peterson, who is 55 years old, received widespread criticism for his actions, and Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel launched an internal investigation. The deputy retired and resigned on February 23, “rather that he face termination.”
After the shooting, the former deputy stood behind his actions. In a press release at the time, his lawyer stated that the allegations that Peterson was cowardly and that, under those circumstances, his performance did not meet police officer standards were patently false.
Fox News Digital Nicole Darrah contributed this report.
