The sheriff of the Florida county where a shooter killed 17 people at a high school last week has ordered all deputies who qualify to begin carrying rifles on school grounds.

Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel said at a news conference Wednesday that the rifles will be locked in a patrol car when not in use until the agency secures gun locks and lockers.

The sheriff said the school district�s superintendent fully supports his decision.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High�s school resource office was carrying a weapon when the shooting happened last week but did not discharge his firearm. It�s unclear what role he played in trying to thwart the shooter and whether he was aware of suspect Nikolas Cruz�s past behavior at the school. The sheriff said those details are still being investigated.

(AP)