Teen Hailed as Hero in Pennsylvania School Stabbing Shares Hospital Selfie

By Kara Seymour

As a teenager rampaged through a Pittsburgh area high school with a knife 16-year-old Nate Scimio protected two girls from the attacker and took a slash to one of his arms, USA Today reported.

Scimio, who appears to be doing well, shared a photo from the hospital. He was one of 20 people injured in the attack.

One of the girls described the scene to USA Today as the attacker moved toward them: "I don't know if Nate did it on purpose or just instinct. He took the stab right in his arm and saved my friend and me. ... He told everybody to run away. I'm pretty sure he pulled the fire alarm."

According to several media reports, 16-year-old Alex Hribal has been charged in the attack. 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.

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.

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."