Updated February 15, 2018 16:27:12

Photo: Philip Mudd holds back tears while discussing the Florida high school shooting on CNN. (Supplied: CNN)

A former CIA and FBI analyst has broken down in tears on CNN while discussing the Florida school shooting that left at least 17 people dead and several injured.

CNN contributor Philip Mudd was speaking with host Wolf Blitzer on the Valentine's Day mass shooting when he became overcome with emotion.

"A child of God is dead," he said.

"Can we not acknowledge in this country that we can't, we cannot accept this?"

Mr Mudd ended the interview abruptly as he was fighting back tears.

"I can't do it, Wolf. I'm so sorry. We can't do it."

Blitzer cut to another guest after telling Mr Mudd he would come back to him.

"You're obviously ― this is so emotional, unfortunately it happens all too often," he said.

"People say we have to learn some lessons. Unfortunately, lessons are never, ever learned."

The moment resonated with viewers who took to social media to express their support for Mr Mudd.

Florida police have identified the suspect as 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz, a former student of the high school, and have confirmed he is now in custody.

Topics: crime, law-crime-and-justice, murder-and-manslaughter, police, united-states

First posted February 15, 2018 15:37:59