Hero teacher who stopped shooter says he had to save students

Associated Press
Updated
Jason Seaman, who tackled a gunman in his classroom - AP
Jason Seaman, who tackled a gunman in his classroom - AP

An American teacher who was shot while tackling and disarming a student inside his classroom said on Monday that his swift decisions "were the only acceptable actions" to save his seventh-grade students.

Jason Seaman, speaking publicly for the first time since the shooting in suburban Indianapolis on Friday, thanked the local community for its support and stressed that he wanted the focus to be on the other person shot during the incident: 13-year-old student Ella Whistler, who was seriously wounded.

"Her courage and strength at such a young age is nothing short of remarkable," Mr Seaman said during a news conference at the school district's administrative building. "We all should continue to keep her in our minds as she continues to recover."

School officials said Ella was improving and making progress while recovering at an Indianapolis hospital. Her family has said she was in critical but stable condition following the shooting, though no other details about her injuries have been released.

Mr Seaman is credited with stopping an armed student who entered his classroom at Noblesville West Middle School. Witnesses said the 29-year-old former college football player ran toward bullets as he tackled the student. The teacher was shot three times, according to his brother.

Students and staff after being evacuated from Noblesville West Middle School - Credit: Getty Images North America
Students and staff after being evacuated from Noblesville West Middle School Credit: Getty Images North America

"I want to make it clear that my actions on that day, in my mind, were the only acceptable actions I could have done given the circumstances," Mr Seaman said on Monday. "I deeply care for my students and their well-being. That is why I did what I did that day."

Mr Seaman, who was released from the hospital on Saturday, didn't appear to show any pain or other sign of his injuries during the news conference. He spoke for just a few minutes and declined to answer questions from reporters.

He wore a white T-shirt emblazoned with the message: "#NOBStrong. You are the reason I teach." His shirt also showed the wounded student's initials, EW.

Police have said the shooter was quickly arrested following the shooting and didn't appear to be injured. His name hasn't been released.

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"We're so grateful for Jason's quick and brave actions," Noblesville Schools Superintendent Beth Niedermeyer said during the news conference. "He put his own life in danger for his students. That alone tells you about his character and his big heart."