commentary by Patrick H. Moore
Pennsylvania teen Gracey Evans was walking down the hallway with her best friend at Franklin Regional High School in Murrysville, Pa., on Wednesday morning when she saw blood, writes Sebastian Murdock of the Huffington Post
It was the beginning of what is certainly one of the largest mass stabbings in American public school history. 23 people — 21 students, a security guard, and the suspect – were left injured by the black-clad stabber who arrived on campus prior to first period on Tuesday armed with two 10-inch kitchen knives with straight blades.
Thus began what will prove to be a dark and unforgettable day for the 17-year-old Gracey who found herself right in the middle of 16-year-old suspect Alex Hribal’s crazed attack on his classmates at Franklin Regional High School in Murrysville, PA, 15 miles from Pittsburg in Westmoreland County.
Gracey described her near-death experience when interviewed by the Huffington Post. “I was walking back from my friend’s locker when I heard a girl say to a kid, ‘Hey, you’re bleeding.’”
At that moment, Gracey’s friend performed the ultimate sacrifice, grabbing Evans and throwing himself in front of her.
“He blocked me from getting stabbed, and got stabbed in the back. I watched him fall. After that, I saw two other people get stabbed.”
Evans told Huff Post that she saw the suspect, who is now in custody, wearing his black clothes while wielding his two long knives.
As Gracey’s best friend crumpled to the ground, she reacted in the only way she knew how — by letting out a “blood-curdling scream.”
A nearby student pulled the fire alarm and panic ensued. A teacher ushered students into the safety of a classroom and locked the door.
Evans’ best friend was bleeding from his back. Even worse off was a student from her math class, lying on the floor bleeding profusely from what looked like a deep stab wound on his lower right torso.
“The teacher told [the student] to sit up, but I knew that wasn’t right so I told him to lay down,” Evans said.
Students raced to grab paper towels and handed them off to Gracey who applied pressure to stanch the flow of blood coming from the student’s wounds. Her hands were quickly soaked with blood as she fought to save him.
When EMTs arrived, they relieved Gracey and rushed the injured student to ER. The victim’s sister has tweeted that the boy is still in critical condition.
Then Evans turned back to her friend, who was screaming in pain.
“I held his hand and didn’t let go. I kept asking him questions like ‘What is your life’s dream?’ to get him talking. I got him water. My other friend applied pressure to his back wound because I was talking him through the situation.”
When asked what gave her the strength to get going, Evans said simply: “He saved my life, so I saved his.”
According to his mother, the boy who was stabbed in the torso broke down in tears when heard what Evans and the others had done to save his life.
“All through this I had blood on my hands, blood on my jeans,” said Gracey. “I’m still shaking from the experience. I was crying, I was shaking. I couldn’t believe that it happened at Franklin Regional.”
Shaken up though she was, Evans, who is on the honor guard in her marching band and carries the school banner, is an avid superhero fan. She loves Captain America and when her parents heard the news, her father said while the tears flowed: “You’re my Captain America.”
Gracey’s father, Bill Evans was formerly a Franklin Regional School Board director. Bill told The Huffington Post that the school has always been rigorous in its emergency management planning and employs a resource officer with the Murrysville Police Department.
“People didn’t want [a school resource officer] in our school district, but this shows that a quick response is the best response,” said Bill. “They were able to correct this situation — along with Assistant Principal Sam King — quickly.”
Then Bill got choked up when asked about his daughters heroics:
“It brings a tear to my eye. Not only did someone step in front of her, but she stepped up and helped others. We’re very proud, and it’s very humbling.”
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After being taken into custody, the suspect Alex Hribal was transported to an area hospital for treatment of injuries to his hands.
“In all likelihood, he will be charged as an adult,” Westmoreland County District Attorney John Peck told reporters.
After the incident, at a press conference at a nearby junior his school, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett spoke. In his remarks, he included heartfelt words of praise for both students and staff:
“There are a number of heroes…a number of them students.” (And Super Girl Gracey Evans and her best friend are certainly among them.)
Then the Governor addressed the 800 pound gorilla in the room.
“These incidents clearly reflect mental health issues that need to be engaged and studied,” said the Republican governor said. “I think we should think about this: What made this young man decide to get up today and do this.”
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Fortunately, no matter how frustrated I get as I march through my demanding day, I never fantasize about wandering over to the nearby high school and bringing it to its knees with a couple of 10-inch blades or even an AK-47. I guess I’m lucky that way.