UPDATE: There’s a lot more to this story….

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student Colton Haab said he didn’t attend CNN’s town hall in his hometown because the network rejected his prepared questions and suggested he ask a scripted one instead.

Haab, a member of the Junior ROTC, protected his fellow students during the Parkland shooting last week, and he told local media that he wanted to ask about using veterans as armed security guards in schools. Even though Habb wrote out a speech and questions as CNN requested for last night’s forum on shootings, he claims that the network tried to censor him.

“CNN had originally asked me to write a speech and questions, and it ended up being all scripted,” Haab said.

“I don’t think that it’s going get anything accomplished,” he continued. “It’s not gonna ask the true questions that all the parents and teachers and students have.”

Following the report on Haab’s experience, a CNN spokesperson provided a statement insisting they didn’t try to make him read a scripted question.

There is absolutely no truth to this. CNN did not provide or script questions for anyone in last night’s town hall, nor have we ever. After seeing an interview with Colton Haab, we invited him to participate in our town hall along with other students and administrators from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Colton’s father withdrew his name from participation before the forum began, which we regretted but respected. We welcome Colton to join us on CNN today to discuss his views on school safety.

Watch above, via WPLG-TV.

[Image via screengrab]

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