A survivor of the Parkland school shooting has come forward to stop the shooter from profiting from tragedy. Anthony Borges, the student who saved others during the 2018 rampage at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, now legally owns the rights to the shooter’s name, Nikolas Cruz. This pioneering action bars Cruz from profiting from interviews, books, or movies without specific consent from Borges, enabling the survivors to voice out as rarely heard before.
In June 2024, Borges, through a civil settlement, also took ownership of the name and likeness of Cruz. Cruz, now in prison for 34 consecutive life terms after murdering 17 people and injuring 17 others, including Borges, is now prohibited from publicly commenting or benefiting financially from the event unless he is allowed to do so through Borges. The settlement is a effective statement, and the Parkland tragedy’s story is guaranteed to remain with those most injured.
Back on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 2018, Borges was a 15-year-old freshman acting on instinct. He put himself in the way of a bullet-riddled classroom door, saving some 20 classmates from bullets. The cost was high: five bullets tore through his lungs, abdomen, and legs. He underwent numerous surgeries, agonizing rehab, and permanent emotional scarring. But when Borges testified in the 2022 trial of gunman Nikolas Cruz, he held strong, showing the court his physical damage in a searing, emotional testamony that put the raw cost of the shooting in human terms. His message hit home, reminding all of the stakes in the fight for justice.
The settlement does more than restrict Cruz’s media presence. It forces him to surrender financial gains, like a $430,000 life insurance payout, and requires him to donate his body to science after death for research into mass shooters. Borges’ lawyer, Alex Arreaza, designed this deal to empower his client and hold Cruz accountable for life. Legal experts note this approach echoes efforts to prevent criminals from profiting off their crimes, though it’s a rare and creative use of intellectual property rights.
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Not everyone initially supported Borges’ exclusive control over Cruz’s name. Some families of other victims raised concerns, leading to a brief legal dispute. By November 2024, Borges agreed to share those rights, showing his commitment to unity among survivors. His actions reflect a deep sense of responsibility, not just to his own healing but to the broader Parkland community.
Now, Borges continues to advocate for gun violence prevention, carrying both the physical marks of that day and a quiet strength that inspires others. His story is a testament to resilience, proving that survivors can reclaim power from tragedy.
