Middle School Student Stabs Two Classmates and Staff in Violent Rampage

A quiet school morning in Florida turned into chaos in under a minute.

Authorities say a student at Walton Middle School launched a sudden stabbing attack early Tuesday, injuring two classmates and a staff member in what officials describe as a fast-moving and terrifying rampage.

The violence unfolded around 7:20 a.m., shortly after the student arrived on campus in DeFuniak Springs. According to Michael Adkinson, the student went straight into a bathroom—and came out less than three minutes later wearing a mask and holding a sharp object.

What happened next lasted just 45 seconds—but left lasting damage.

Investigators say the student immediately attacked the first person he encountered in the hallway, stabbing them multiple times. He then rushed down the corridor and allegedly targeted a female paraprofessional and another student.

Despite being seriously wounded, one of the victims managed to escape down the hallway as a teacher rushed in to help.

Both injured students—reported to be between 12 and 13 years old—suffered serious injuries. One was airlifted to a hospital, while the other was taken to a trauma center.

“Immediate life-saving aid was being rendered,” Adkinson said.

The injured staff member was also hospitalized, though her injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.

At the time of the attack, the school day had not fully started, and about 40 students were inside the building.

The suspect fled but didn’t get far. Law enforcement tracked him down and arrested him near the school within seven minutes.

Officials have not yet revealed a motive or whether the student had any prior warning signs. Charges are expected but had not been announced as of Tuesday.

Authorities emphasized there is no ongoing threat—but for those inside the school, those 45 seconds were enough to change everything.