Parents of Parkland victims mark anniversary, continuing the fight for school safety
Source: Scripps News
Posted 9:56 PM, Feb 13, 2026
Parents of Parkland students are advocating for reforms to improve school safety as they encourage others to remember the students and staff killed. Saturday marks eight years since a gunman killed 17 students and staff, and injured 17 others, at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
“We want people to remember the victims of the Parkland tragedy. It was a tragedy because of who we lost, the children with bright futures, the teachers and staff members who were coaches and gave of themselves,” said Tony Montalto. His daughter, Gina Rose Montalto, was among the students killed that day.
“I can't believe it's been eight years since Gina was taken from our family. Every day we miss her bright and bubbly personality. We know the world is a poorer place for not having someone who exhibited that kindness and caring that our daughter put out in the world,” Montalto said.
He and Tom Hoyer, the father of Luke Hoyer, who was also murdered in the shooting, were back in Washington, D.C. days before the eight-year mark. It adds to numerous trips they have made across administrations to push lawmakers and White House officials for changes to improve school safety, touting bipartisan efforts.
Read more: https://www.scrippsnews.com/politics/parents-of-parkland-victims-mark-anniversary-continuing-the-fight-for-school-safety
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