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Parkland school shooter used AR-15 type rifle

Posted at 5:03 AM, Feb 15, 2018
and last updated 2018-02-15 06:19:07-05

The school shooter in Broward County, Florida on Wednesday used an Armalite-style rifle to carry out the attack.

Investigators said the gunman, Nikolas Cruz, had several magazines as well.

SPECIAL SECTION: Shooting at Broward County school

Alex Shkop, the owner of Guns and Range Training Center in West Palm Beach, said the AR-15, is one of the most widely-owned guns in the world.

Even though it's difficult to conceal, it's probably the only gun that Cruz could have gotten his hands on legally.

“You cannot purchase a handgun until you are 21,” said Shkop. “I believe the reason he used an AR-15 is because he is under 21 and you cannot purchase a firearm other than a long-gun legally. I don't know if he purchased it legally, if it's his, because it's a really hard hand gun to smuggle, and especially entering a school.

Shkop says while it may be easier to learn how to shoot an AR-15, it's very difficult to sneak it inside a public place.