The brother of Parkland school shooter Nikolas Cruz was arrested after trying to break into three schools in Virginia.
Nicholas Cruz's brother has been arrested for allegedly attempting to break into three schools in Virginia.
According to police, Zachary Cruz, 24, attempted to access several buildings in Augusta County on surveillance footage.
The disturbing incidents took place starting at around 11.30pm on January 25 and saw Cruz trying to open doors at Wilson Middle School, Wilson High School, and the Valley Career and Technical Center among others, according to investigators.
In the footage, Mr. Cruz is seen approaching exterior doors, attempting to open them, and peering inside, which indicates a attempt to gain unauthorized access, as per the police.
According to the Independent, he was accused of three misdemeanor counts of trespassing and released days later after a brief jail stay.
His arrest comes six and seven years after Cruz's brother murdered 17 people and injured 17 more during his 2018 rampage at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
After the killer's brother was released back into the community, parents expressed their concern.
I understand how troubling this situation has been for you, your families, and our community,' Augusta County Sheriff Donald Smith wrote on Facebook.
Our top priority is to ensure the safety and security of all students, staff, and community members. I want to give you the assurance that this matter is being taken seriously.
'Enhanced security measures' have been implemented, with an increased law enforcement presence on and around school grounds, as noted by the sheriff.
Furthermore, we are closely monitoring any potential threats and communicating with school officials to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken.
Parents, students, and staff are encouraged to stay alert and report any suspicious activity.
Maintaining a safe environment for everyone requires the collaboration of law enforcement, school officials, and the community.
According to Augusta General District Court, Cruz is scheduled to appear in court again on May 1.
The deadliest mass shooting at a US high school in history was caused by his brother.
During his six-minute attack, the killer fired around 140 shots from his AR-15 semiautomatic rifle, moving from the first floor to the second and third floors in a systematic manner.
The killer stated that he began considering committing a school shooting when he was in middle school, approximately five years before he carried out the attack.
He was arrested by police and admitted to the atrocity, narrowly avoiding the death penalty.
The murderer has been sentenced to life in prison and is currently being imprisoned in Florida.
The verdict was reached after the jury stated that it could not unanimously agree that Cruz should be executed.
A death penalty must be approved by a unanimous vote on at least one count in accordance with Florida law. Spending life in prison is the only alternative.