Authorities reported that a canister of tear gas was set off inside the Gregory Heights Middle School Tuesday morning resulting in the hospitalization of at least 48 students and faculty.
Officials are still searching for the individuals responsible to the attack and claim to have the names of three possible suspects.
Nguyen Do, an eighth grader at Gregory Heights said “I covered my mouth and ran out of the building. It’s Mace. I know that. It was a set-up to get out of class or something.”
The Portland Fire Bureau reported that at least 48 children and two teachers were taken to a dozen Portland hospitals for treatment. Vomiting and a burning sensation in the lungs, nose, throat, and eyes were all reported reactions to the gas.
“It was like walking into an irritating wall.” Said school Principal John Alkire.
Richard Harder, one of the first paramedics on the scene, said there were several children on the ground on the front lawn of the school. Some were just coughing and/or vomiting, but others had more serious respiratory problems.
Autumn Gierlich, a 13-year-old student suffering from asthma said “I got the stuff into my lungs, and I could barely breathe. I had to gasp for air. I was dizzy.”
Students who were not affected by the fumes were sent home around 10:45 a.m. Classes are scheduled to resume at the normal time on Friday.
“The kids are really upset. It’s just horrendous, whatever it was.” Carol Palumbo, an eighth-grade teacher said.
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