Girl’s kin thankful for prayers
THE PARENTS of a 13-year-old girl shot by a classmate at an Indiana middle school are grateful for all the prayers they’ve received as their daughter continues her recovery.
“Our daughter Ella Whistler was involved in a horrific shooting at her school,” the statement reads. “We will spend the next days and weeks processing what happened and why.”
Ella and seventh-grade teacher Jason Seaman were injured when a male student walked into a science classroom at Noblesville West Middle School with a pair of handguns Friday morning.
Bullets hit Seaman three times — in the hip, abdomen and forearm — as he tackled the gunman to the ground in a bid to protect his students.
He’s been lauded as a hero for ending what could have been a deadly attack.
“Thanks to very brave Teacher & Hero Jason Seaman of Noblesville, Indiana, for his heroic act in saving so many precious young lives,” President Trump tweeted Saturday morning.
“His quick and automatic action is being talked about all over the world.”
Seaman, who also coaches football at the Indiana middle school, was released from Indiana University Methodist Hospital on Saturday, according to Rep Susan Brooks (R-Ind.).
Ella was taken to Riley Hospital for Children and is “doing really well.”
“Her status is critical, yet we are pleased to report she is in stable condition,” her family said.
“We’d like to thank everyone across the country who prayed for our family today. We’ve felt those prayers and appreciate each of them.”
Authorities have not identified the gunman or his motive. Noblesville Police Chief Kevin Jowitt said officers have a male student in custody they believe to be the shooter.