Parkland Shooter's Lawyer Subject Of Florida Bar Investigation: Report

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — A lawyer for Nikolas Cruz, who was sentenced this week for killing 17 people and injuring 17 others when he opened fire four years ago on Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, is under investigation by the Florida Bar Association.

A spokeswoman for the Florida Bar confirmed to WPLG-TV that Tamara Curtis, a Broward County assistant public defender who represented Cruz during the recent penalty phase of his trial, is currently under investigation.

The spokesperson did not discuss the reason for the investigation, WPLG reported.

Cruz this week was formally sentenced to life in prison without parole for his role in the Feb. 14, 2018, shooting rampage that killed 14 students and three staff members.

The Parkland school shooting was the deadliest mass shooting that ever went to trial in the United States.

While Curtis didn't appear to be present during Cruz's formal sentencing, she came under fire in July when a livestream of the courtroom carried by the Law & Crime network gained traction online.

In the video, Curtis is sitting next to Cruz and another attorney when they notice a video camera. After waving to the camera, Curtis appears to put up her middle finger while rubbing it against her cheek. She and Cruz then laugh.

Family members of the victims addressed the moment during this week's hearing when loved ones were allowed to speak directly to Cruz and his defense team prior to his formal sentencing. Several families directed their ire at the defense team and their actions over the course of the trial, including one who mentioned "the middle finger stunt."

Max Schachter, the father of Parkland victim Alex Schachter, shared the news of the investigation into Curtis on Twitter on Thursday with the comment, "KARMA PART 1."

Fred Guttenberg, the father of Parkland victim Jaime Guttenberg, also mentioned the incident in a Tuesday tweet after defense attorney Melissa McNeill asked Judge Elizabeth Scherer to request families and survivors refrain from attacking the defense team.

"This is Defense Attorney Tamara Curtis, in court, playing with the monster who murdered my daughter & rubbing her middle finger on her cheek," Guttenberg tweeted. "@gordonweekes should have been focused on the behavior of his attorneys and not attacking our families today. We are right to be upset."