Students & Parents React To Shooting

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (CBS4) - In the aftermath of the Arapahoe High School shooting on Friday both students and parents are reacting to the tragedy.

Friday afternoon emotional families embraced after the shooting was over.

"There was screaming. We heard someone yell 'help me, help me! We need help!' After that, the entire building went silent," said one student.

Panicked students evacuated the high school after an armed gunman opened fire inside. Senior Alexia Barrent described the chaos.

"It was terrifying because we heard gunshots. Dana ran down the stairs saying someone's been shot. We all ran into a room and she went into shock," said Barrent.

"I just don't understand why it's happening here. It's not fair to Colorado," said a parent.

Senior Tess Albyn heard on ear-splitting blast, then panic set in.

"It sounded like a trash can hitting the floor, and then we heard screams. One girl was on the floor having, like, a panic attack. I don't even know how to react to it yet. It hasn't hit me," said Albyn.

For Alexia Barrent and some other students the fear and panic is still with them.

"It's terrifying and hearing the gunshots just scares me now," said Barrent.

Parent John Spiegel spent several frantic hours trying to find his son.

"I just couldn't get a hold of him. I didn't know if he was okay, I didn't know if he was safe. This shouldn't have happened," said Spiegel.

"I just feel so blessed that I'm safe and that my mom is coming. I am just thinking about those people that were injured, and I can't relate to how their families are feeling. It's just so unexpected, and it's just crazy," said Albyn.