The sheriff of Broward County, Florida — where last week’s deadly school massacre took place — paid a visit to a 15-year-old boy on Sunday who was shot five times while attempting to protect his classmates.
“Fortunately, he is recovering, but has a long road ahead with more surgeries needed,” the sheriff’s office tweeted, in reference to Anthony Borges, a soccer player at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
“Please join us in praying for the swift recovery of Anthony and all others from #StonemanDouglas,” they added.
Local officials have been hailing the teen as a hero after he managed to save 20 fellow students from gunfire — using his own body as a shield, ABC News reports.
Sheriff Scott Israel stopped by Broward Health Medical Center to see him on Sunday as he recovered from his bullet wounds, in both legs and the back.
“The Sheriff was honored to visit [Borges] in the hospital,” wrote Israel’s office.
One of the students whom Borges reportedly saved last Wednesday during Nikolas Cruz’s alleged early afternoon shooting spree spoke to “Good Morning America” about his courageous actions.
“None of us knew what to do,” said Carlos Rodriguez, Borges’ best friend.
“So he took the initiative to just save his other classmates.”
Borges’ father, Royer Borges, referred to him as his personal “hero.”
“He just called me and says, ‘Dad, somebody shot me in the back and my leg, too,'” recalled Royer.
“He’s my hero,” the dad said. “I only ask that people pray for him.”
Three other victims who were injured in the shooting remained hospitalized Sunday at Broward Health. They were said to be in fair condition.