A student has been charged with four counts of first-degree assault with a deadly weapon following a stabbing at Foss High School on Thursday in Tacoma, Washington, where four students and a security guard were injured.
The suspect was identified as Waleed Emad Essakhi, according to authorities, and was arrested shortly after the incident.
Essakhi was charged in Pierce County Superior Court on Friday, where it was determined he would be tried as an adult.
According to court documents, the student allegedly stole a vape pen from a fellow student the previous day at a skatepark, according to court documents. Four of the student’s friends later approached him in retaliation.
One of the victims claimed Essakhi was "egging them on" to fight him as he slapped his own face.
Court documents state surveillance footage shows the suspect allegedly pulling an object from his pocket before the four students began to fight him. None of the victims were armed.
The school was used as a reunification site for families, and classes and activities were canceled the following day. Counselors were made available to support students and staff.
A not guilty plea was entered on Essakhi’s behalf during his arraignment, with bail set at $75,000.
"While these are just allegations at this time, the allegations are concerning," deputy prosecuting attorney Lena Berberich-Eerebout said during the hearing. "The state has severe concerns for community safety due to his volatile behavior, and release high bail is appropriate."
An omnibus hearing is set for June 1, while a jury trial is scheduled for June 17.