Stoneman Douglas High School student Colton Haab on Wednesday night claimed CNN approached him about asking a question during their televised town hall, but he decided not to attend after they gave him a "scripted question" to ask instead of allowing him to ask his own question about using veterans as armed school security guards.
Haab, a member of the Junior ROTC credited for shielding students during the shooting, said he wanted to ask a question about employing veterans as armed security guards in schools to protect students from potential shooters, according to RealClearPolitics.
"I expected to be able to ask my questions and give my opinion on my questions," Haab told WPLG-TV. "CNN had originally asked me to write a speech and questions and it ended up being all scripted."
"Colton wrote questions about school safety, suggested using veterans as armed school security guards but claims CNN wanted him to ask a scripted question instead, so he decided not to go," reporter Janine Stanwood said.
Later in the interview, Haab scolded the idea of scripted questions by saying it does not help get anything accomplished.
"I don't think that it's going to get anything accomplished. It's not going to ask the true questions that all the parents and teachers and students have," Haab said.
The town hall in Sunrise, Fla., was moderated by Jake Tapper and allowed students, faculty and parents connected to Stoneman Douglas High School to ask questions about gun laws and possible reforms following last week's shooting at the high school that left 17 teachers and students dead.
CNN released a statement in response to Haab's: "CNN did not, and does not, script any questions for town hall meetings, ever."