Anthony Borges, 15, was shot five times during the mass shooting at his high school, according to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office.
According to NY Daily News, fellow students say Borges used his body to block bullets from hitting his classmates by standing in the doorway as he tried to lock the room shut.
On Sunday, the injured teenager remained in a hospital bed with his face swollen and his body tethered to IV and oxygen tubes.
“Fortunately, he is recovering — but has a long road ahead with more surgeries needed,” according to a Broward County Sheriff’s Office Facebook post.
The photo showed Sheriff Scott Israel clasping Borges’ hand — a reminder of the brutal toll of the Wednesday massacre at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High in Parkland, Florida, that left 17 people dead.
As of Sunday, four patients wounded in the gunfire remained hospitalized in fair condition, according to Broward Health.
In the grim aftermath of the shooting, many students who survived the bloodshed say they can no longer endure a cycle of gun violence followed by inaction. They’re demanding that state and federal lawmakers step up and do something.
They’re also coming for the National Rifle Association and any politician who takes money from the powerful gun lobby. The NRA did not immediately return CNN’s call seeking comment.
In response to politicians who say it’s not the right time to discuss gun policy after such a tragedy, students have set a date to confront the issue.
“Here’s a time to talk about gun control: March 24. My message for the people in office is: You’re either with us or against us.
We are losing our lives while the adults are playing around,” said Stoneman Douglas junior Cameron Kasky.
Just days after surviving the 9th deadliest shooting in modern US history, several students have given powerful speeches and compelling TV interviews, voicing their desire to break the continuous loop of massacres.
Some have gone on social media, vocal about what they experienced and what action they want to see from those in power.
