Jason Seaman was shot three times as he tackled a male student who opened fire with a handgun Friday at Noblesville West Middle School.
Seventh grade teacher Jason Seaman, who is credited with tackling the shooter at Noblesville West Middle School, speaks at a press conference Monday, May 28. Photo by WFYI.
(Noblesville, Ind.) - The Indiana teacher who heroically helped during a school shooting is speaking publicly for the first time since the incident.
"My actions on that day, in my mind, were the acceptable actions I could have done, given the circumstances. I deeply care for my students and their well-being, so that's why I did what I did that day," Jason Seaman said at a press briefing on Monday in Noblesville.
The science teacher and football coach said he's proud of the community for its response to what happened. Seaman was shot three times as he tackled a male student who opened fire with a handgun Friday at Noblesville West Middle School.
Seaman said he's thinking about injured 13-year-old Ella Whisler, who was shot and remains hospitalized.
"Her courage and strength at such a young age is nothing short of remarkable and we should all continue to keep her in our minds as she continues to recover," he asked.
The shooter's remain in police custody. His name has not been released by authorities.
Seaman, a former Southern Illinois University football player, says the community has been very helpful in his recovery and how the community stands together in the face of pain and distress. He also thanked those at IU Methodist Hospital for their care during surgery and recovery.
Meanwhile, an online fundraiser for Seaman has surpassed its $55,000 goal. The GoFundMe campaign has seen donations as large as $3,000.
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