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Teachers, Staff Return To Franklin Regional

MURRYSVILLE (KDKA/AP) - Teachers and staff will return to Franklin Regional High School today for the first time since a stabbing incident left 21 people injured last week.

They were injured when 16-year- old Alex Hribal went on a stabbing spree. He's now charged with attempted homicide and aggravated assault.

The first sign of things getting back to normal will be teachers, and staff returning to their jobs this morning.
Laura Thompson says her daughter witnessed the stabbings.

"She witnessed this traumatic event and I think she's just not – it hasn't hit her. She's not really dealing with it and just said that she's fine," Laura Thompson said.

Thompson says her son is good friends with one of the victims.

She wonders how her children will be affected when they walk past the area in the building where the stabbings happened.

"They seem to think they're going to be fine, but I think it's going to be a different story when they're actually in that environment. I mean, my daughter was standing there watching all this happen," she said.

Jeff Mauro said his son, a 9th grader, also witnessed the stabbing but he's not worried

"He'll be with his friends. That's where he wants to be," Mauro said.

Mauro said he hopes Hribal gets the help he needs and he's also praying for his family.

He thinks this tragedy should unite the community.

"Everyone in this community needs to bond together and they need to reach out to everybody here and they need to extend their hand and love," Mauro said.

Students will return to school this week as well.

Beginning Tuesday, students directly affected by the incident will be able to return and walk the halls or talk with teachers. The rest of the students will be able to return later in the day Tuesday.

Classes are expected to resume on Wednesday and grief counselors will be on hand for both teachers and students.

Four students remain hospitalized in critical condition. One 17-year-old underwent surgery at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital on Sunday.

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center said the surgery went well. It didn't mention the student by name, but said he's still listed in critical condition.

RELATED LINKS
Franklin Regional Students To Return To Class Wednesday
Community Constructs Banner Of Support For Franklin Regional
Motive Remains Unclear For Stabbing Attack At Franklin Regional High School

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