LIVE BLOG: 14-year-old in custody, 3 students stabbed at Americas High School
UPDATE (2:30 p.m.): During a press conference, law enforcement said the stabbing suspect is a 14-year-old boy. They could not confirm whether he attends Americas High School. He faces three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Officials said two 14-year-old boys and one 14-year-old girl were stabbed. One was airlifted to the hospital as a precaution. Two have since been released from the hospital. Authorities said they can't release information about their identities due to their age and the nature of the investigation.
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office said the stabbing was an "isolated attack," and two of the teens tried to help the one who was attacked.
Just after 8:31 a.m., Socorro ISD police said it received a report about a person with a knife near the school's baseball field. Officers arrived at 8:35 a.m. and found the three students with stab wounds.
The school was temporarily placed on lockdown as a precaution, officials said.
Authorities later found the teen suspect on the 1400 block of Ben Proctor Drive and took him into custody without incident, officials said.
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office said there's no threat to the community or the school.
The high school's gym was set as a reunification site for students and their guardians, officials said.
SISD Board President Michael Najera said counseling and support services will be available for students and employees.
Najera thanked first responders and the school's staff for the quick response and assistance during the emergency.
SISD will work with law enforcement throughout the investigation, Najera said.
You can rewatch the press conference in the video slideshow at the top of this article.
UPDATE (1:49 p.m.): El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson said he's "deeply disturbed" by the stabbing.
"I am deeply disturbed by what happened at Americas High School this morning. No parent should have to receive a call that their child has been hurt at school, and no student should ever feel unsafe at school.
I have reached out directly to SISD Superintendent James Vasquez to offer the City's support and assistance. The safety of our children and our community must always come first.
We are keeping the injured students and their families close in our thoughts, and we stand with the entire Americas High School community during this difficult time."
UPDATE (12:47 p.m.): The El Paso County Sheriff's Office said a news conference to share more information will start at 2 p.m.
It said EPCSO, Socorro ISD police, El Paso fire and SISD representatives will be there to provide more information on Friday's stabbing.
UPDATE (12:12 p.m.): El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego shared the following statement about the stabbing at the school:
"Today, our hearts are with the victims of the incident at Americas High School, their families, the students, faculty, staff, and everyone affected during this difficult time.
After speaking with SISD Superintendent Dr. James Vasquez this morning, he reassured that school staff and first responders are working diligently to support our students, families, and the entire Americas High School community during this difficult time. Their prompt response ensured the situation received immediate attention and reflected the exceptional care and coordination to protect the well-being and safety of students, families, and the school community.
El Paso has always been a community that comes together in moments of hardship. We will continue to stand beside the Americas High School community, support those who have been affected, and keep the victims and their families close in our hearts and prayers."
UPDATE (11:56 a.m.): Socorro ISD said all safety protocols lifted. The school started dismissing students for the day at 11:10 a.m.
Pickup Information
The district asked parents to pick up their students, even if they usually take the bus or drive themselves to school.
Parents must take a valid ID to pick up their child. The pickup location will be at the entrance by the main gym.
SISD said it's arranging a time for students to pick up their vehicles later.
All after-school activities have been cancelled.
UPDATE (11:45 a.m.): Three students were hospitalized for stab wounds, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office said. One suspect is in custody.
The injured students are in stable condition now, EPCSO said.
The sheriff's office's Major Crimes Unit took is now investigating it with the Texas Rangers and Socorro ISD Police Department.
EPCSO said a news conference is being organized.
UPDATE (11:39 a.m.): The El Paso Police Department said the area of Pellicano Drive next to the school is closed to traffic as of 11:04 a.m.
UPDATE (11:23 a.m.): Texas Senator Cesar Blanco shared the following statement on the incident at Americas High School.
“I am deeply saddened by the senseless violence at Americas High School today. I am praying for the students, families, faculty, and staff affected by this incident.
I’m grateful to the law enforcement officers and first responders working to protect our community. My office remains in close contact with local and state officials, including the Texas Division of Emergency Management and law enforcement, and we will continue monitoring the situation as more information becomes available.
Every student and educator deserves to feel safe at school. I stand with the entire Americas High School community during this difficult time.”
UPDATE (10:07 a.m.): The Socorro Independent School District said the lockdown has been lifted, and Americas High School is now on hold as officials investigate the incident.
SISD shared the following message with parents:
"An incident between students resulted in injuries to multiple individuals. Students involved in the incident have been identified and their parents directly notified. All other students and staff are safe under the supervision of faculty and staff.
The aggressor in the incident has been taken into custody by district police. Emergency services transported the injured students to the hospital for evaluation and treatment.
We will provide another update once the hold has been lifted. Thank you for your continued trust and support of Americas High School and Team SISD."
(KVIA)
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Friday, the El Paso Fire Department said a FireSTAR helicopter responded to an incident at Americas High School.
ABC-7 reached out to the Socorro Independent School District for more information.
ABC-7 will be live near the campus with the latest information starting at noon.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
