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Former Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Resource Officer Scot Peterson is on trial for failing to confront the shooter. And 17 people died in the Parkland massacre.

In a significant development an officer who raced into the building during the Parkland shooting testified against Peterson. And accused him of inaction.

The trial commenced on Wednesday and has garnered national attention, as Peterson faces charges of child neglect and other offenses for failing to intervene in the tragic school massacre five years ago.

Since he spoke to investigators two days after the massacre, Peterson has always insisted that he couldn’t tell where the gunshots were coming from. And that he believed they may have been fired outside.

Parkland Massacre

Coral Springs officer Richard Best recounted his encounter with Peterson on the third day of the trial.

Best informed the jury that Peterson had confirmed gunshots coming from the second or third floor of the building, reinforcing the fact that Peterson was aware of the shooter's location but failed to take action.

The testimony underscored the urgency and gravity of the situation, with Best stating that every gunshot potentially resulted in loss of life.

During the trial, it was revealed that Peterson arrived at the building and took cover nearby with his weapon drawn, only 73 seconds before the shooter reached the third floor.

Peterson remained in his position for approximately 40 minutes. A witness, Armen Borghei who was a student at Parkland, observed Peterson below with his gun drawn but saw no attempts made to approach the building.

Peterson faces serious charges, including seven counts of felony child neglect.

He is the first law enforcement officer in the United States to face legal consequences for alleged inaction during a school shooting.

To secure a conviction, prosecutors must establish that Peterson legally acted as a caregiver to the juvenile students, and then prove whether he made a reasonable effort to protect them. The outcome of this trial will have far-reaching implications for the responsibilities and accountability of law enforcement officers in similar situations.

With the trial expected to last up to two months, its conclusion will undoubtedly shape the national discourse on school safety. And on law enforcement's role in protecting students.

Meanwhile, Texas authorities are also investigating officers in Uvalde following a similar incident where they failed to confront a shooter who claimed the lives of 19 elementary students and two teachers. The absence of charges in the Texas case further amplifies the significance of Peterson's trial and the potential precedent it may set.