HERO OF THE HIGH SCHOOL MASSACRE
Boy, 15, shot 5 times as he held class door shut
A TEENAGER shot five times in last week’s Florida school massacre has been hailed a hero for holding a door shut to save his classmates.
Anthony Borges, 15, was cut down by bullets as he fought to keep out suspect Nikolas Cruz.
One shot went through his back and other injuries include bullets in both legs and having his left upper thigh bone shattered.
Anthony was the last student into the room as teens fled Cruz, 19, at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Seventeen died in the massacre.
Anthony’s bravery stopped bullets from the AR-15 type semi-automatic rifle hitting other children.
His friend, Carlos Rodriguez, said: “None of us knew what to do. He took the initiative to save his other classmates.” Anthony then rang his father to tell him he had been shot.
Royer Borges said: “He called me and says, ‘Dad, somebody shot me in the back and my leg.’ He’s my hero. I only ask that people pray for him.”
Broward County sheriff Scott Israel said he was “honoured” to shake the boy’s hand when he visited him in hospital on Sunday.
The sheriff’s office said: “Fortunately, he is recovering but has a long road ahead with more surgeries needed. Please join us in praying for the swift recovery of Anthony and all the other victims of this horrific act.”
A GoFundMe page had raised more than $133,000 (£95,000) for Anthony and his family by last night.
Cruz, who had been expelled from the school, is in custody, facing 17 counts of murder.
Three other victims remained in hospital yesterday. Medics said they were in a “fair” condition.