It is not clear if the shooting was targeted.
A 13-year-old student, who was shot when a gunman opened fire inside an Indiana middle school, is in critical but stable condition, her family said.
Ella Whistler was identified as the second victim at Noblesville West Middle School. She was shot in the chest, according to a family friend.
“Her status is critical, yet we are pleased to report she is stable,” said a statement from Ella's family. The family asked for privacy as Ella recovers at Riley Hospital for Children.
“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,” the statement read. “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.”
On Friday morning, a student, who has not been identified, allegedly asked to be excused from class, returned with two handguns and began shooting before he was tackled by science teacher Jason Seaman.
Seaman was shot three times: once in the stomach, hip and arm. He was released from hospital on Saturday afternoon.
Ella was reportedly airlifted to hospital after the shooting. A family friend told the Indianapolis Star she underwent surgery after being shot in the chest.
"She's a stellar student,” the friend told the paper. “She's highly involved in school. A beautiful girl. I can only imagine why this happened."
A GoFundMe set up for Ella has already surpassed its goal of $10,000.
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