Three students were injured in a stabbing at Pittsburgh’s Carrick High School on Wednesday morning, authorities said.
Police, fire and EMS responded shortly after 8:30 a.m. following reports of an altercation that led to the stabbings, the Pittsburgh Public Safety Department said on X.
Two students were transported by Pittsburgh EMS with stab wounds to their abdomens, according to police. A third victim sustained a minor laceration and was treated at the scene.
The suspect, a 16-year-old student who is new to the school district, was taken into custody, Pittsburgh School Police Chief Dena Young told ABC News affiliate WTAE. Young said the teen had experienced “trouble last week with some kids.” The teens he had an altercation with last week were not involved in Wednesday’s altercation, according to Young.
The incident occurred shortly after the suspect arrived at school and in front of staff members who intervened, Young said.
Pittsburgh Public Safety spokeswoman Cara Cruz told reporters the incident stemmed from an altercation in a hallway and was not random. Cruz confirmed one victim was transported to the hospital in critical condition, another in stable condition, and the third had minor injuries.
A student who witnessed the incident, told WTAE he “heard a bunch of people screaming in the hallway” before learning about the stabbing.
Parents expressed frustration and fear while picking up their children. “I’m scared. I don’t even want them to come back to school. I want to sign them out of here and go to another school,” one concerned parent told WTAE.
Another parent, while grateful her daughter wasn’t hurt, expressed dismay at the situation.
“It’s sad that all I’m thankful for is that my sister didn’t get stabbed in school, where she’s supposed to be safe,” she told WTAE.
In a statement, Pittsburgh Public Schools said the suspect used a small knife and stabbed three other students.
Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey addressed the incident Wednesday, expressing concern for the injured students and their families while thanking school staff and first responders for their swift action.
“What took place today does not define who you are or what you deserve. You deserve to feel safe,” Gainey said in a statement, directing his message to students.
The mayor emphasized that the incident reflects a broader community issue, calling for collective action to create spaces where “every young person feels valued, protected, and supported.”
Authorities urged anyone with video footage of the incident to contact Pittsburgh Police headquarters at 412-323-7800.
