The Department of Justice has awarded $1 million to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to "pay salary and overtime expenses for first responders" who responded to the Parkland mass shooting in February, ABC News reports.
"The school shooting in Parkland shocked and horrified the nation, but the community and law enforcement at all levels have shown resilience and determination," Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement. "Today, we offer $1 million to support the police who have been working overtime in the aftermath of this tragedy."
"They can be sure about this: We have their backs," he added.
Seventeen people were killed and more than a dozen injured after Nikolas Cruz opened fire with an AR-15 semi-assault rifle at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Feb. 14. Broward County law enforcement has been criticized for its handling of the shooter after several reports said officers missed warning signs when Cruz's behavior raised numerous red flags.
The State of Florida, the City of Parkland and Broward County "incurred several million dollars in costs" in responding to the shooting, per the DOJ release.
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