The Pittsburgh-area high school that became the scene of a horrific stabbing spree last week re-opened to students Tuesday morning for a walk-through ahead of the resumption of classes.
Gone were the blood-stained floors and piercing cries the last time students were in Franklin Regional Senior High School in Murrysville, Pa.
It was different — but a “good different,” Gracey Evans, a 17-year-old junior, told NBC News. Evans and friends gathered around Brett Hurt and linked arms and hands for a photo.
She had watched in terror as 16-year-old suspect Alex Hribal allegedly plunged a knife into Hurt's back as he shielded her during the rampage.
The friends waited Tuesday for Hurt, 16, to arrive at the school. They wanted to go in together.
Hurt, who suffered bruised lung, was on the verge of tears as he used a wheelchair to navigate the hallways, Evans said.
The students spoke with several teachers, who said they were sorry for what happened to the 21 students and adult security guard injured, some critically. Tissues and candies were kept in the classrooms.
“It’s hard for them,” Evans said of the teachers, “but harder for us.”
