School Shooting in Noblesville Indiana
Police Forces in Noblesville, Indiana received reports of gunshots fired at Noblesville West Middle School just after 9 AM. Kevin Jowitt, Noblesville Police Chief, told reporters that “the situation was contained and that a male student was in custody.” The name and age of the suspect were not released.
Dan Spehler told Fox News that a seventh grader told him that “a student entered a science classroom and shot at someone,” and “the science teacher bravely swatted the gun away from him.”
29-year-old Jason Seaman, a seventh-grade teacher and football coach at the school, reportedly tackled the gunman to the ground, a student told CNN affiliates WRTV and WXIN. “If it wasn’t for him, more of us could have been injured, for sure.” The class was taking a science test when the gunman entered and fired “four to six times,” striking Seaman and one female student. Seaman told students hiding in the back of the classroom to run out and call 911.
Seaman stated Friday night that “I want to let everyone know that I was injured but am doing great. To all the students, you are all wonderful and I thank you for your support. You are the reason I teach.” President Trump commended Seaman on Twitter, tweeting out at 10:45 am “Thanks to very brave Teacher & Hero Jason Seaman of Noblesville, Indiana, for his heroic act in saving so many precious young lives. His quick and automatic action is being talked about all over the world!”
After the situation deescalated, students were bused to Noblesville High where parents could pick them up. The 23rd school shooting this year, this incident is just one week after the Sante Fe school shooting that killed eight students and two teachers.
A teacher was taken to IU Health Methodist Hospital and a student was taken to Riley Hospital for Children, where Indiana University Health spokeswoman Danielle Sirilla was unsure of the severity of the injuries. Names of the victims were not released. It is unclear whether the injured teacher was the same teacher mentioned by Spehler.
Vice President and former Governor of Indiana Mike Pence tweeted “Karen and I are praying for the victims of the terrible shooting in Indiana. To everyone in the Noblesville community – you are in our hearts and in our prayers. Thanks for the swift response by Hoosier law enforcement and first responders.”
Governor Eric J. Holcomb stated, “Our thoughts are with all those affected by this horrible situation.”
Students took to Twitter to express their thoughts on the shooting:
The name and status of the second victim in the shooting was released yesterday. Ella Whistler is a 13-year old student at Noblesville West Middle School. She was shot in the chest and was airlifted to the hospital where she underwent emergency surgery. Her status is being reported as critical but stable by her family. A GoFundMe has been set up for Ella.
Jason Seaman, the teacher being dubbed a hero for stopping the shooter, has been released from the hospital. He was shot three times, a GoFundMe has been set up for him as well. Seaman’s GoFundMe was set up by a senior hoping to express his gratitude for Seaman’s actions.
Editor’s note: This is a developing story, and will be adjusted as updates are given.
