A teacher is being hailed as a hero after suffering three gun shot wounds while successfully disarming the shooter at Noblesville West Middle School in Noblesville, Indiana, on Friday.
Jason Seaman, a 29-year-old science teacher at the school, tackled the male suspect who was asked to be excused earlier at 9 a.m. and later returned brandishing two handguns.
Seaman was immediately taken to IU Health Methodist Hospital in critical condition. According to police, Seaman is recovering well from the surgery and could be released soon.
The school district issued a statement acknowledging Seaman's risking his life for the students and that his impulse "came as no surprise."
Reports and accounts regarding the shooting indicate that Jason's actions likely saved and protected lives. His heroic actions come as no surprise to the Bulldog Nation and those who know Jason. We continue to keep Jason and his family in our thoughts and prayers as he recovers from this tragic event, as well as all of the communities impacted by school violence.
I just talked to the teacher's neighbor, Steve Vedder, who said Jason Seaman is a "really, really nice guy" with tw… https://t.co/Ok0rJIzBCO— Emma Kate Fittes (@Emma Kate Fittes) 1527268673.0
@JJohnstonWTHR @MikeDeFabo Guy is a gosh darn hero!!!!!!!!!— Theheartbreakkid21 (@Theheartbreakkid21) 1527299354.0
@SIU_Football @17NickHill The word "Hero" gets tossed around a lot. You sir @17NickHill deserve that title 100%. Yo… https://t.co/2rV0Ioyvcf— WeAgency 🏛️ (@WeAgency 🏛️) 1527345733.0
A former student tweeted that the protective teacher always told his students during emergency drills he would always "take a bullet for any one of his students."
I remember every time we had a code red drill in 7th grade Mr. Seaman always told us he would take a bullet for any… https://t.co/8GCAGUCb8x— Abbie Tank (@Abbie Tank) 1527284587.0
Seaman expressed his gratitude for the first responders, but the hero was praised as being the actual first responder.
A statement from Jason Seaman the Noblesville West Middle school teacher who stopped the shooter. https://t.co/qJgfDYGiKh— Jim Johnston (@Jim Johnston) 1527281363.0
@JJohnstonWTHR If you think about it Jason Seaman is a first responder! Thank you for your selfless act.— Rob Edwards (@Rob Edwards) 1527290825.0
Before he became a public educator, Seaman played football at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale from 2007-2010 and left a strong impression on his former coach.
#Salukis head coach @17NickHill played one season with Jason Seaman, the hero of school shooting in Indiana. “He wa… https://t.co/Z1DBY6ygHJ— Saluki Football (@Saluki Football) 1527272618.0
Parents were grateful that the former athlete's tackling skills served him (and his students) well, off the field.
@JJohnstonWTHR As a parent with a student in Mr. Seaman’s class at the time...I thank him! I am forever indebted. N… https://t.co/uSLq6WuAJb— Kim McAtamney (@Kim McAtamney) 1527295798.0
Per Jim Johnson: Noblesville teacher Jason Seaman who was shot three times today is now sitting up in bed, talking… https://t.co/cvGhXE9pjd— Anne Marie Tiernon (@Anne Marie Tiernon) 1527286090.0
@JJohnstonWTHR Thank God you were there to stop the violent action and save the children. Praying for all to recove… https://t.co/mHiWqqnrww— Laura (@Laura) 1527295415.0
Seaman wasn't the only one who suffered injuries.
Ella Whistle, a 13-year-old student of Noblesville West Middle School, was in critical condition from the shooting on Friday. Her parents issued an update on her condition:
We wanted to say she is doing well at Riley Hospital for Children. Her status is critical, yet we are pleased to report she is stable. We'd like to thank everyone across the country who prayed for our family today.
@Get_Merkeled @stinkerpuppy_dm @Andrizzell @abbietank Ella also has a gofunme as well. https://t.co/Qy2cwD0VIi— Jack Newcomer (@Jack Newcomer) 1527348967.0
The male suspect had been apprehend and was taken into custody.
Noblesville Schools' Superintendent Beth Niedermeyer issued a statement saying that classes at all other districts on Tuesday will resume "as normal" while counseling will be available for students and parents at Noblesville West Middle School on Saturday and Monday.
We wish for the victims' speedy recovery and are grateful for Seaman's bravery in preventing what could've been another horrible statistic in a string of mass shootings so far this year.
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