A 13-year-old girl who was shot allegedly by a classmate in Noblesville, Indiana yesterday is in critical but stable condition following surgery. Her family released a statement to NBC affiliate WTHR:
“Our daughter, Ella Whistler, was involved in a horrific shooting today at her school. We will spend the next days and weeks processing what happened and why. But first, 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. We’ve felt those prayers and appreciate each of them. We’d also like to thank the first responders, Noblesville police, Indiana State Police and the medical staff and surgeons at Riley. Please do not contact our family for further comment at this time. We appreciate you respecting our privacy as we support Ella in her recovery.”
Meanwhile, Jason Seaman, the 7th grade science teacher who was also shot in the incident is recovering following surgery. He released this statement last night.
“First of all, thank you to the first responders from Noblesville and Fishers for their immediate action and care,” Seaman said. “I want to let everyone know that I was injured but am doing great. To all students, you are all wonderful and I thank you for your support. You are the reason I teach.”
Let’s keep showing his face. Saying his name. Telling Jason Seaman’s story. This middle school science teacher is a hero. Mr. Seaman risked his life to save his students when a 7th grader opened fire at Noblesville West Middle School. #NoblesvilleStrong pic.twitter.com/dsvw3dyox5
— Lindsey Eaton (@LindseyEatonIN) May 25, 2018
An Indiana man is allowing me to share this message. It’s from a student who was inside Jason Seaman’s classroom during the shooting in Noblesville. pic.twitter.com/jL3i0tDHWl
— Kaitlyn Connolly (@KConnollyTV) May 25, 2018
Perhaps the most poignant but sad reminder of the state of education in America today, this photograph says it all.
This scene in Noblesville today, a makeshift barricade, is due to our cowardly lawmakers’ refusal to act. This is on them! Common sense gun legislation NOW @MomsDemand #noblesvillewest @SpeakerRyan @SusanBrooksIN @SenDonnelly pic.twitter.com/pmVZLUqLtF
— Indianamother (@IndianaMomof4) May 25, 2018