In the nearly two weeks since Nikolas Cruz opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, the students who survived the horrific attack have put pressure on Florida politicians to pass strict gun control. As their followers dramatically rise on social media, they are also using these platforms to raise awareness about how current gun laws led to one of the deadliest school shootings, and even to support others in their time of need.
David Hogg, who has become one of the leading voices in the aftermath of the shooting, is urging spring breakers to boycott Florida. “Let’s make a deal DO NOT come to Florida for spring break unless gun legislation is passed,” he wrote. “These [politicians] won’t listen to us so maybe [they’ll] listen to the billion dollar tourism industry in FL. #neveragain.”
Later in the day, he addressed Spring Breakers again and attempted to redirect their attention from Florida to Puerto Rico. Even before Hurricane Maria devastated the island, Puerto Rico was dealing with a $72 billion debt. The slow government response has made it difficult for the island to get back on its feet. Hogg attempted to use his newfound celebrity to encourage people to visit the island. “It’s a beautiful place with amazing people,” he wrote. “They could really use the economic support that the government has failed to provide.”
San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz and his classmate, Emma González, have applauded his message.