The heroic teacher who disarmed a sixth-grade girl who opened fire at an Idaho middle school, wounding two students and a custodian, thanked the community for its support after the shocking incident.
“My heart is touched by all the incredible outpouring of love I’ve received,” Krista Turnblom Gneiting wrote on Facebook hours after she disarmed the girl and held her until cops arrived.
“Thank you. I don’t want money, I just appreciate the incredible support of Rigby!!! I love my students so much! It is why I teach!! They make my heart happy every every day!!!!” Gneiting continued.
“All of the staff at Rigby did their part and kept our wonderful children safe! Thank you! I love you all and we will get through this together,” she added after the shooting at Rigby Middle School shortly after 9 a.m. Thursday.
The three victims all suffered bullet wounds to their arms and legs, and are expected to survive, officials said.
The girl pulled a handgun from her bag and fired multiple rounds both inside and outside the school, Jefferson County Sheriff Steve Anderson said.
Prosecuting Attorney Mark Taylor said she could be charged with three counts of attempted murder, adding that his office will make the decision once authorities conclude their investigation, according to EastIdahoNews.com.
Police are investigating where she got the firearm, and what motivated her to turn it on her young classmates, authorities said.
The custodian who was wounded, identified as Jim Wilson, was reportedly treated and released from Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center by Thursday afternoon.
One student was shot once in an extremity and may require surgery, said Dr. Michael Lemon, the hospital’s trauma medical director. The other student was potentially shot twice and hit in two limbs.
“The fact the injuries are as insignificant as they are — they could be so much worse, so we feel absolutely blessed,” Lemon said.
All Friday classes have been canceled in the district because of the shooting and counselors have been made available, the Idaho State Journal reported.
“I am praying for the lives and safety of those involved in today’s tragic events,” Gov. Brad Little said in a statement. “Thank you to our law enforcement agencies and school leaders for their efforts in responding to the incident.”