Pollies in firing line

Shooting survivors to take anti-gun protest to Trump’s door

STUDENTS who escaped last week’s deadly US school shooting have vowed to march on Washington to demand action on gun control.

They announced their plans as more disturbing details began to emerge about Nikolas Cruz, who walked into Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, and shot dead 17 people.

The 19-year-old had a history of violence and launched a series of vicious assaults on his mother Lynda, in one incident labelling her a “useless b .... ” as he hurled abuse at her.

The students who survived Cruz’s murderous onslaught, the worst US school shooting since 2012, said they were determined to make sure last Wednesday’s attack marked a turning point in US gun control. And they have trained their anger on those in power, with protesters yesterday shouting “shame on you” at President Donald Trump and politicians.

“You’re the president. You’re supposed to bring this nation together, not divide us,” survivor David Hogg, 17, said.

He was responding to Mr Trump’s tweet alluding to the FBI’s failure to act on tips that the suspect was dangerous, while bemoaning the bureau’s focus on Russia’s role in the 2016 election. The White House said the President would hold a “listening session” with unspecified students tomorrow.

Emma Gonzalez, another student who survived the attack, cited Mr Trump, Senator Marco Rubio and Florida Governor Rick Scott by name in a warning to politicians who are supported by the National Rifle Association.

“Now is the time to get on the right side of this, because this is not something that we are going to let sweep under the carpet,” she said.

“To every politician who is taking donations from the NRA – shame on you.”

The students are calling for anti-gun violence demonstrations on March 24.