Ex-SIU player: Heroics in school shooting were 'only acceptable actions'

Jason Seaman, the seventh-grade science teacher and former Southern Illinois University defensive end who intervened to help stop a shooter who opened fire at Noblesville West Middle School, spoke publicly Monday for the first time since the incident.

Seaman was shot three times Friday morning when he tackled the shooter, a male student, in his classroom. He underwent surgery and spent the night in the hospital before being released Saturday, according to Shari Rudavsky of the IndyStar.

Ella Whistler, a 13-year-old student, was also shot and remains hospitalized, though Noblesville Schools superintendent Beth Niedermeyer said Monday she's making progress in her recovery.

"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," Seaman said at a press conference. "I deeply care for my students and their well-being. So that is why I did what I did that day."

GoFundMe pages have been set up for Seaman and Whistler to assist with their medical bills.