Florida school shooting suspect had access to 10 firearms, including AK-47 variant

Nikolas Cruz, 19, was charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder.

ByABC News
February 19, 2018, 5:02 PM

— -- Authorities believe the young man accused of storming a Florida high school and gunning down 17 people had access to 10 firearms, all long guns, law enforcement officials briefed on the matter told ABC News.

A law enforcement source said the suspect, Nikolas Cruz, is believed to have purchased seven of the long guns himself. The other three firearms were weapons authorities believe Cruz had access to but did not purchase, the source said.

PHOTO: Nikolas Cruz  is seen here in his mug shot, Feb. 14, 2018.
Nikolas Cruz is seen here in his mug shot, Feb. 14, 2018.

In addition to the AR-15 variant Cruz allegedly used in the school shooting, he also purchased an AK-47 variant, one law enforcement official said.

All appear to be legal purchases, sources said.

Cruz, 19, was charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder after the Valentine's Day massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

PHOTO: This photo posted to Nikolas Cruz's Instagram account shows weapons lying on a bed.
This photo posted to Nikolas Cruz's Instagram account shows weapons lying on a bed.
PHOTO: Outside view of Sunrise Tactical Supply store in Coral Springs, Fla. on Feb. 16, 2018 where accused school shooter Nikolas Cruz bought an AR-15.
Outside view of Sunrise Tactical Supply store in Coral Springs, Fla. on Feb. 16, 2018 where accused school shooter Nikolas Cruz bought an AR-15.

The other firearms Cruz had purchased were an assortment of shotguns and standard rifles, the source added. No handguns associated with Cruz have been recovered by authorities, according to the official.

PHOTO: Nikolas Cruz is placed into handcuffs by police near Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School following a mass shooting in Parkland, Fla., Feb. 14, 2018.
Nikolas Cruz is placed into handcuffs by police near Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School following a mass shooting in Parkland, Fla., Feb. 14, 2018.

Public defender Melisa McNeill, who appeared with Cruz in court Thursday, called him a "broken child."

"My children they go to school in this community and I feel horrible for these families," McNeill said, adding, "and Mr. Cruz feels that pain."

PHOTO: Nikolas Cruz appears in court, Feb. 19, 2018.
Nikolas Cruz appears in court, Feb. 19, 2018.