Crime & Safety

Pa. School Stabbing Suspect to Be Tried as Adult

Alex Hribal faces four counts of attempted homicide, 21 counts of aggravated assault and one count of possession of a weapon on school grounds.

A suburban Pittsburgh teen who has been charged in connection with a stabbing rampage at his high school will be tried as an adult.

According to several media reports, 16-year-old Alex Hribal was arraigned as an adult after officials say he used two, 8-inch stainless-steel knives to injure more than 20 people at Franklin Regional High School in Murrysville, Pa. Wednesday morning. 

Hribal is being held without bail at the Westmoreland County Regional Youth Services Center, CNN reported. He faces four counts of attempted homicide, 21 counts of aggravated assault and one count of possession of a weapon on school grounds, CNN reported.

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The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that four people were airlifted from the school in serious condition from the stabbing attack. Hribal, a sophomore, was taken into custody shortly after the 7:15 a.m. attack.

One victim remained critically injured as of Wednesday night, according to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.

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The New York Times reported that Hribal went from classroom to classroom stabbing people. Information as to what may have prompted the attack has not been released. Three of the victims underwent surgery for their injuries, according to the Times.

The attack happened as students were arriving to school, according to several media reports. A witness told the Pittsburgh Post Gazette that the suspect was tackled by the school's assistant principal, Sam King. 

The FBI was summoned to the crime scene, NBC News reported. Governor Tom Corbett visited the town, located about 20 miles east of Pittsburgh. “There are a number of heroes in this day. Many of them are students,” Corbett said.

Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey said he was "stunned."

“I am stunned by the senseless tragedy at Franklin Regional High School.  Our schools should be places where children can learn and grow without fear of violence," Casey said. "I am inspired by the bravery of the school personnel and students, and I am grateful for the heroic work of the first responders, emergency and medical personnel who cared for those injured."


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