ADVERTISEMENT

Shooter belonged to white supremacist group

Jordan Jereb, believed to lead the shadowy Republic of Florida (ROF) group, told ADL that Cruz had been "brought up" by a member of the group and joined its training exercises near Tallahassee, Florida.

Armed with an AR-15 assault rifle, Cruz is charged with killing 17 students and adults at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

Republic of Florida describes itself on its website as a "white civil rights organization fighting for white identitarian politics." It advocates creating a "white ethnostate" in Florida.

ADL said the group "borrows paramilitary concepts from the anti-government extremist militia movement."

ADVERTISEMENT

Jereb told ADL that Republic of Florida had not ordered or supported Cruz's attack on his old high school.

In an interview with the Daily Beast, Jereb said Cruz "seemed like just a normal, disenfranchised, young white man."

"I don't know precisely what he believes," Jereb told the Daily Beast. "I know he knew full well he was joining a white separatist paramilitary proto-fascist organization."

Jereb told the Daily Beast that Cruz was a member of its "cell" in Clearwater, Florida, about 300 kilometers (180 miles) northwest of Parkland, and had trained with them.

"He probably used that training to do what he did yesterday. Nobody I know told him to do that, he just freaked out," Jereb said.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT