Parkland School Shooting Cost Several Million Dollars

PARKLAND, FL — The price tag for law enforcement agencies around the Parkland school shooting has been estimated at several million dollars, according to the U.S. Department of Justice, which awarded a $1 million grant to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement on Monday to help cover those costs. The Valentine's Day massacre resulted in the deaths of 17 students and faculty members. The money will be used to pay salary and overtime expenses incurred by first responders.

"In responding to the tragedy, the state of Florida, the city of Parkland and Broward County incurred several million dollars in costs, including securing crime scenes and operating command centers and state and local officials continue to incur expenses," said the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance in awarding the grant money.

"The magnitude and urgency of the event resulted in a coordinated response of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and first responder personnel from more than 18 agencies," the Justice Department said. "This award will defray some of these costs."

U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said that his Department of Justice stands ready to help law enforcement agencies that were touched by the tragedy.

“The school shooting in Parkland shocked and horrified the nation, but the community and law enforcement at all levels have shown resilience and determination,” Sessions said.

Federal officials invited the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to apply for the funds. The agency administers the Edward Memorial Justice Assistance Grants Program in Florida.

The law permits funding to address “precipitous or extraordinary increases” in crimes such as mass violence, according to federal officials.

In the letter requesting the grant, Florida officials said that it was difficult to determine an exact cost of the tragedy but that local agencies were experiencing "significant costs."

The program is the largest source of federal funding for state, local and tribal public safety activities. It is one of several programs administered by the Department of Justice aimed at supporting law enforcement operations and improving officer safety.

Students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School are greeted by police officers following the tragedy. Photo by Paul Scicchitano.