Grand Canyon University
JUS 212 – Choice and Trait Theory
, The Tragedy of the Parkland Shooting: Analyzing Choice and Trait Theory
Facts Concerning the Parkland Shooting
On February 14, 2018, one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history was carried
out by Nikolas Cruz at Majory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, with an
AR-15-style rifle, where he killed 17 people and injured 17 others. Investigations following the
tragedy revealed that Crus has demonstrated several warning signs before committing the attack,
including violent behaviors, social isolation and threats against students and teachers (Berkowitz
et al., 2018). It was further reported that Cruz had been expelled from the school for behavioral
problems and had a documented history of mental health issues (Reeves & Brock, 2019). He had
also been posting disturbing content on social media, speaking about violent fantasies and a
desire to harm others. With this background, it is possible to explore the motives for the attack
through choice and trait theory.
Parkland & Choice Theory
To analyze the incident at Parkland using choice theory, it will be important to define the
theory itself. According to choice theory, individuals decide on a particular course of action
based on their rational calculations in weighing the potential benefits and possible consequences
of actions (Pratt & Turanovic, 2018). From this point of view, Cruz made his decision to execute
the attack knowingly, as the action would get him to some desired result. Evidence shows he had
planned the shooting in advance, as he legally purchased firearms, mapped out the school, and
made threats online before the event occurred (Reeves & Brock, 2019). According to choice
theory, Cruz weighed his options and chose to commit this act because it would bring him
satisfaction or some form of revenge. Studies on criminal behavior support the idea that
offenders engage in cost-benefit analyses before committing crimes, often acting on a desire to
JUS 212 – Choice and Trait Theory
, The Tragedy of the Parkland Shooting: Analyzing Choice and Trait Theory
Facts Concerning the Parkland Shooting
On February 14, 2018, one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history was carried
out by Nikolas Cruz at Majory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, with an
AR-15-style rifle, where he killed 17 people and injured 17 others. Investigations following the
tragedy revealed that Crus has demonstrated several warning signs before committing the attack,
including violent behaviors, social isolation and threats against students and teachers (Berkowitz
et al., 2018). It was further reported that Cruz had been expelled from the school for behavioral
problems and had a documented history of mental health issues (Reeves & Brock, 2019). He had
also been posting disturbing content on social media, speaking about violent fantasies and a
desire to harm others. With this background, it is possible to explore the motives for the attack
through choice and trait theory.
Parkland & Choice Theory
To analyze the incident at Parkland using choice theory, it will be important to define the
theory itself. According to choice theory, individuals decide on a particular course of action
based on their rational calculations in weighing the potential benefits and possible consequences
of actions (Pratt & Turanovic, 2018). From this point of view, Cruz made his decision to execute
the attack knowingly, as the action would get him to some desired result. Evidence shows he had
planned the shooting in advance, as he legally purchased firearms, mapped out the school, and
made threats online before the event occurred (Reeves & Brock, 2019). According to choice
theory, Cruz weighed his options and chose to commit this act because it would bring him
satisfaction or some form of revenge. Studies on criminal behavior support the idea that
offenders engage in cost-benefit analyses before committing crimes, often acting on a desire to
