The Florida Department of Children and Families has released the mental health records of the Parkland shooter.

From the 2016 DCF report on the Parkland shooter. “Mr. Cruz is a vulnerable adult due to mental illness. He has Depression. In the past, he was taking medicine but it is unknown if he is taking any medicine now.”

The report was made available by DCF following a judge’s ruling, and was first reported by NBC Miami. The records are packed with disturbing details about the alleged shooter’s past dealings with law enforcement and health services, including incidences of cutting, threats on social media and discussions about buying weapons.

From the 2016 DCF report on the Parkland shooter. “Mr. Cruz has fresh cuts on both his arms. Mr. Cruz stated he plans to go out and buy a gun. It is unknown what he is buying the gun for.”

By now it is well known that the FBI ignored warnings that the Parkland shooter was planning a mass shooting. However, it was not just the FBI that failed to act. DCF had been called and took statements from the young man saying that he was depressed and agitated. They asked questions, determined he was taking medications and visiting a school counselor and then left, in spite of hearing him say he had a desire to buy a dangerous weapon.

The Florida DCF states that the released documents cover the sum total of their communication with the 19-year-old. “DCF’s only direct involvement with NC was one APS investigation in 2016. There is no child welfare history.” However, local police had been called to the home quite frequently over the years.

“DCF is absolutely heartbroken and disgusted by last week’s tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Once we learned that the shooter had involvement with the agency in 2016, we immediately began the process of asking a court to release these records detailing DCF’s only involvement with this person. We also conducted a thorough review to confirm that all processes and procedures were followed. In these investigations, DCF relies on the expertise of mental health professionals and law enforcement and these records show that DCF took the steps to involve these partners in investigating this alleged abuse. Cruz was receiving mental health services before, during, and after our investigation was closed, he was living with his mother, and attending school. Our focus will continue to be on working with our partners to best serve Florida’s communities.”

The report reveals a sadly disturbed child that no one had any idea how to help. Recorded within are details of his depression, self-harm, threats of violence. There was even one instance of racial animus when the young man was found to have a book bag emblazoned with hate symbols and the phrase “I hate n—-rs.”

As evidence mounts it is clear that this was a horrific tragedy many years – and failures – in the making.

The redacted files are available to the public from the DCF website, and are embedded below. In addition to the report, the chronological notes on the investigation are included below that, also somewhat redacted.

In both cases you will see some fairly shocking red flags.

CONFIDENTIAL INVESTIGATIVE SUMMARY (IS) Adult ln-Home Investigation (without Reporter Information) on Scribd

Adult Protective Investigations – Chronological Notes – Florida DCF

It’s right there. In one investigation, you can see the warning signs.