Who is Nathan Cruz? Uvalde school shooter Salvador Ramos' cousin, 17, arrested for threatening 'to do the same thing' at Texas school
UVALDE, TEXAS: Uvalde school shooter Salvadaor Ramos' cousin, 17-year-old Nathan Cruz, has been arrested after allegedly threatening to "do the same thing" and shoot his sister in the head. Cruz's mother alerted authorities after she expressed concerns that her son intended to repeat what his cousin did.
In 2022, Ramos went on a rampage, fatally shooting 19 students and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Sickeningly, Ramos then used the blood of his victims to inscribe disturbing messages on whiteboards in the classrooms.
Who is Nathan Cruz?
According to the arrest warrant, obtained by KSAT, Cruz made the threats to his sister and overheard him over the phone attempting to "acquire an AR-15 through an illegal private sale."
"The suspect’s mother was especially concerned because the suspect is currently on probation, was intoxicated at the time, and for the fact that they live near an elementary school," the warrant reportedly stated. Cruz's mother also stated that he said, "School is starting soon."
What charges does Nathan Cruz face?
Cruz reportedly denied making any threats when speaking with detectives. According to jail records faces a felony charge of making a terroristic threat to the public and a misdemeanor charge of making a terroristic threat to a family member. He is presently on probation, although the specifics of his probationary terms remain unclear. He was booked into into Bexar County Jail on Monday, August 7. Given their link to Ramos, Cruz's sister believed "due to the recent history of their family and the suspect’s knowledge of his cousin’s action."
The Uvalde shooting was among a string of school shootings that left countless dead and continues to spark debates about gun laws and safety.