Twenty classmates crowded into a room, trying to lock the door before the shooter reached them. Anthony Borges was the last one in — and he held the doorway.
The Attack
On February 14, 2018, a gunman opened fire inside Building 12 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Anthony Borges, then 15 and a soccer player at the school, was among a group of students who fled toward a classroom as the shooting began. According to a classmate, Carlos Rodriguez, Borges was the last of roughly 20 students to reach the room and was trying to help lock the door when he was shot.
Holding the Line
Borges positioned his body in the doorway, placing himself between the gunfire and his classmates. He was shot five times, sustaining injuries to his lungs, abdomen, and legs. All 20 students who made it into the room survived uninjured.
Recovery
Borges underwent extensive treatment for his physical injuries, including ongoing issues with function in one foot that required additional surgical work. His family has said he has also continued to struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder, which intensifies when his physical limitations prevent him from doing activities he once loved, like soccer.
Facing the Shooter
Borges was present in court when the shooter, Nikolas Cruz, pleaded guilty to 17 counts of first-degree murder and 17 counts of attempted murder. Borges said he accepted Cruz's apology but made clear that deciding his fate wasn't his to make. "My decision is to be a better person and to change the world for every kid," he told reporters afterward. "I don't want this to happen to anybody again."
A Settlement
Fifty-two families affected by the shooting, including Borges', were part of an initial settlement agreement, with the families of those killed set to receive the largest shares.
FAQ
How many times was Anthony Borges shot?
Five times, sustaining injuries to his lungs, abdomen, and legs.
How many students survived because of his actions?
All 20 students who made it into the classroom with him survived uninjured.
Did Anthony Borges attend the shooter's plea hearing?
Yes. He was present when Nikolas Cruz pleaded guilty to all charges and offered an apology, which Borges said he accepted.