[Read more about the charged officer and the role bravery plays in policing.]

Faced with Parkland’s grim distinction as one of the deadliest school shootings in American history, some Republicans shifted their positions and signed the state-level gun bill — without paying a political price.

“Before Parkland, the idea that the Florida Legislature would pass legislation that contained gun control was unthinkable. And not one of the Republicans that signed the bill lost in their primary,” Mr. Schale said. “Not even Democrats were talking about gun control statewide 10 years ago. This changed the whole conversation.”

Jared Moskowitz, a former state legislator who shepherded Florida’s most aggressive gun measures in years, said the Parkland shooting helped to shape contemporary politics.

“Maybe we won’t be talking about it in 30 years, but for now, it’s woven into Florida’s fabric,” said Mr. Moskowitz, a graduate of Stoneman Douglas High. “Parkland forced elected officials to weigh in on school safety and gun reform. If you didn’t before, you do now because it’s the right thing to do.”