After a four-day deliberation, former Broward County Deputy Scot Peterson has been acquitted of all charges related to his inaction during the Parkland school shooting in 2018. The jury ruled that Peterson was not guilty of felony child neglect and other charges.

Sheriff Grady Judd expressed his disappointment with the verdict, stating that Peterson's failure to respond resulted in the loss of innocent lives. Judd called Peterson a coward, emphasizing that he was paid to protect the children and failed to do so.

During the trial, Peterson's attorney argued that he was unable to locate the shooter's exact location due to echoes. However, prosecutors presented evidence that Peterson did not follow protocols for confronting an active shooter.

The deadly mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School claimed the lives of 17 people. Peterson could have faced a nearly 100-year prison sentence and the loss of his $104,000 annual pension if found guilty.

The acquittal of Peterson raises questions about the accountability and responsibility of school resource officers in preventing and responding to acts of violence on school grounds. The verdict also highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in handling active shooter situations.