Anne McDermott on the mood at Santana High School

Anne McDermott

Q: Did many students stay away?

McDERMOTT: It seemed as though most of the students returned to Santana High School today, including James Jackson -- he was one of those wounded during Monday's rampage. Jackson was hit by a bullet in his hip, but is recovering nicely. He said he is praying for his two dead classmates and all those others wounded that day. Jackson also said he is even praying for the suspect, Charles Anderson Williams.

Williams allegedly told several students over the weekend before the shooting that he was going to bring a gun to school. The students have told CNN they thought he was joking and that's why they didn't tell anyone.

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Three of those students were asked by school administrators to not come to school Wednesday for their own personal safety. But others who also heard about a gun decided on their own not to attend school.

CNN spoke to four of those students, who described Williams as a good person who did a bad thing. They too said they thought he was joking, that he told them that he was only joking and they never believed he was capable of doing such a thing.

Q: Were the media welcome at school?

McDERMOTT: Camera crews and reporters were asked to stand away from the shrine that students have erected, which sits directly in front of school entrance. And the media was also not allowed on school grounds, much to the seeming relief of many students and their parents.

Q: Did students appear hesitant?

McDERMOTT: Some students were seen to be almost steeling themselves to go into the school. You could almost hear some sigh as they approached the entrance. Others appeared to have tears in their eyes, but they went in -- not for a regular day of classes, but for a day of meeting with teachers and counselors to discuss the tragedy.

Q: Were there any protesters?

McDERMOTT: Some parents held up signs defending students who said they had heard about a gun, but had thought it was a joke. The signs said, "These kids were deceived by Williams and should be welcomed with open arms by their classmates."

Q: Was there any anger at school officials?

McDERMOTT: I didn't hear anyone express anger with the school. The only anger I heard was from some of the kids who said that if anyone ever hears a joke about a gun, it must be reported. They are convinced that that could make the difference between life or death. I have also talked with many parents who said they were not angry, that they were simply stunned and, yes, horrified. And they added they're not sure what good anger can do.

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Santana High School
San Diego County Sheriff's Office
Federal Bureau of Investigation

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