Mass stabbing at Pennsylvania high school
At least 20 people have been injured after a teenager went on a stabbing spree at his high school in Pennsylvania.
The attack occurred at seven in the morning before classes began at the Franklin Regional High school in Murrysville when 16-year-old Alex Hribal with two kitchen knives started stabbing students.
Hribal is now in police custody accused of attempted homicide and aggravated assault. Authorities have said the 16-year-old will be tried as an adult.
Among the wounded, 19 are fellow students, some as young as 14. The school’s security guard was also hit in the abdomen as he tried to protect pupils and has been treated with minor injuries.
Many victims had to be airlifted to the nearby hospital for emergency treatment. One student is believed to be in a critical condition after receiving a stab wound to the liver. Others have escaped with cuts and bruises.
It is unclear what provoked the attack but reports suggest there was a heated conversation with another student a day before. Police has launched an investigation.
There is nothing as yet to suggest Hribal was a recluse but has been described as a “shy student” by his mates.
Hribal’s parents are said to be devastated after they heard about their sons knifing frenzy on news.
Patrick Thomassey has been appointed as his attorney and claims that the teenager is scared and frightened. Thomassey did not comment on whether or not the student was bullied as a possible motive.
Franklin Regional High will now be closed for a few days whilst authorities gather evidence from the crime scene. Gennaro Piraino, the superintendent of the district, told the BBC: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured and all of those affected by this awful tragedy.”
Samantha Waite
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