Florida Superintendent Calls For A Smarter Safety System Following School Shooting

Following the school shooting in Parkland, Florida on Wednesday, the Broward County Public Schools superintendent has spoken out on the attack and how he hopes to make sure something like this doesn't happen again.

"We need a smarter system…where various agencies, departments, school systems, are working in an integrated, collaborative fashion to ensure we can share data, share information to enhance our level of effectiveness," Robert Runciesaid to NBC's Meet The Press host Chuck Todd. "Safety is a community-wide responsibility and we're working collectively with other agencies to insure that this happens."

Runcie oversees close to 330 schools including Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where the shooting took place. Shortly after the incident Runcie spoke with reporters about gun violence and the need to help people "in distress" that may be suffering from mental illness.

"We cannot live in a world that is built on fear," Runcie said according to a report from the Miami Herald. "We have to do what we can to make sure we provide the greatest safety measures we can for our kids."

"But what I'll tell you is: Mental health issues in this country are growing. And they're a big challenge," he added. "...We've got to be able to recognize individuals that are in distress, that have challenges. And be able to find ways to support them."

Nikolas Cruz, the 19-year-old who opened fire at Marjory and killed 17 students, is currently in custody. In a report from Time, Cruz arrived at the school by taking an Uber car, took the rifle out of a case, and began shooting in classrooms. He then dropped the AR-15 assault rifle he used and his vest to blend in with students.

Source: NBC News