PITTSBURGH — Three students were injured, and another student is in custody, after a stabbing at Carrick High School in the City of Pittsburgh on Wednesday morning.
Channel 11 has had Team Coverage on this developing story all day. Tune in to Channel 11 News at 4 p.m. to hear from a victim’s family member.
Police and medics were called to the scene at the school in the 100 block of Parkfield Street around 8:30 a.m.
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Ebony Pugh, Spokesperson for Pittsburgh Public Schools, said that one student used a small knife to injure three other students.
Two students were taken to a hospital for stab wounds to their abdomen. One of the students, an 18-year-old, is in critical condition, and the other is in stable condition.
The third student had a minor cut on their hand and was treated at the scene.
The suspect, a 16-year-old boy, had a cut on his hand and was treated at the scene before being taken to Pittsburgh Police Headquarters.
Pittsburgh Public Safety spokesperson Cara Cruz said the stabbing stemmed from a fight in the hallway.
The Pittsburgh Public Schools Police Chief Dena Young said that the suspect is new to the district.
Police are still trying to figure out how the knife got into the school. Young said that because the student was late, he came in through the cafeteria entrance. She stated that there is a metal detector in the cafeteria, and the suspect did walk through it.
Pugh said the scene has cleared from the school, and the building is safe.
The school will operate in “secure” status for the remainder of the day, which means outside doors will remain locked. Pittsburgh Police and school police will also be at the school for dismissal.
“We are deeply concerned for the students who were injured today, and our thoughts are with them and their families,” said Superintendent Dr. Wayne N. Walters. “I am grateful to Carrick staff, School Police, PPS Crisis Response team, City of Pittsburgh Police, and first responders for their immediate and coordinated response to keep our school community safe. I especially want to acknowledge the Carrick staff who worked tirelessly to keep students calm in a situation that was anything but calm, and to our students who showed resilience and cooperated with staff as the day continued under difficult circumstances.”
Counselors have been available at the school for students throughout the day, and Student Assistance Providers and Employee Assistance Providers will be available at the school tomorrow.
Mayor Ed Gainey released a statement on Wednesday afternoon following the incident:
“Today, I speak to you not only as Mayor, but as a fellow member of this community — a community that is searching for answers after an incident that took place this morning at Carrick High School.
“First and most importantly, my thoughts are with the students who were injured, their families, and every young person who is feeling shaken by this incident.
“To the students — I want you to know that what took place today does not define who you are or what you deserve. You deserve to feel safe. You deserve to be seen and heard. And you deserve the chance to grow, to learn, and to simply be young without the weight of fear.
“To our families, teachers, and school staff — I understand how difficult this day started. You carry so much responsibility and care so deeply for our young people. I want to thank you for everything you’ve done today, and every day, to keep students safe and supported.
“And to the School Police and City’s first responders — thank you for your swift, calm, and compassionate response. Your actions helped protect lives, and we are deeply grateful for your service. We stand-by ready to assist in any manner that’s helpful.
“What happened today is not just about one school or one student — it is a reminder that our entire community has a role to play in creating spaces where every young person feels valued, protected, and supported.
“Together, let’s create a space to hear our children and empower them with the tools to navigate conflict in healthy and respectful ways.”
‘We flew here’: Family of Carrick High School stabbing victim rushes to UPMC Mercy
Family members of Kamel Lloyd rushed to Uptown when they found out he was one of three students stabbed.
“It was a fight inside the school and it escalated. My brother ended up getting stabbed inside his side three times. He got stabbed inside his elbow that left a piece of blade inside his arm,” said Jay Gash, the victim’s brother. “We found out he was at Mercy, and we flew here.”
A school police officer told our Channel 11 crew at the scene that the student with the most serious injuries is 18 years old, but Kamel’s brother said he is 17 years old.
11 INVESTIGATES EXCLUSIVE: Retired Pgh Police school officer speaks out after Carrick stabbing
Eric Baldinger spent 27 years with the Pittsburgh Public School District, first as a security guard and then as a school police officer.
He retired two years ago after suffering serious injuries while breaking up a fight at Carrick High School.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Multiple employees hurt after fight inside Carrick High School in Pittsburgh
Chief Investigator Rick Earle spoke exclusively with Baldinger this afternoon.
Baldinger told Earle he was not surprised about the stabbing at Carrick.
“A matter of time. It was bound to happen,” said Baldinger.
Baldinger told Earle that the district gutted the school police force from 26 officers just five years ago to less than a dozen today.
He said a handful of school board members didn’t want police officers in the schools and they made that quite clear.
“They did everything they possibly could to tell, to relay that message to everybody that they don’t want school police officers in their buildings no more and you know they thought they were protecting these kids, and stuff like this is happening to where they’re not protecting these kids,” said Baldinger.
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