Florida shooting suspect charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder

The suspect who authorities say opened fire on a Florida high school was charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder Thursday morning.

Nikolas Cruz, 19, was ordered held without bond and taken to jail, The Associated Press reported.

He is accused of opening fire inside Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, where 17 people died and more than a dozen others were wounded.

{mosads}The Miami Herald reported that Cruz previously attended the school, and had been flagged as a potential threat. Cruz was reportedly kicked out of school after he brought ammunition with him in his backpack, and spoke frequently about guns and knives.

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported that the AR-15 rifle allegedly used in the shooting was legally purchased by Cruz.

President Trump on Thursday morning suggested mental illness played a role in the incident.

“So many signs that the Florida shooter was mentally disturbed, even expelled from school for bad and erratic behavior. Neighbors and classmates knew he was a big problem. Must always report such instances to authorities, again and again!” Trump tweeted.