An Indiana teacher, who potentially saved countless lives when he tackled a student gunman inside a middle school classroom Friday, says he did what he had to do.

Jason Seaman, a science teacher at Noblesville West Middle School, was in his classroom that morning when an unidentified student asked to be excused and later returned with two handguns and opened fire. 

Seaman tackled the gunman and was shot in his stomach, hip and arm, according to reports. He was released from hospital Saturday.

At a press conference Monday morning, he said he acted because he cares deeply about his students.

"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," he told reporters. "I am still processing much of what has happened."

A 13-year-old student, Ella Whistler, was also shot during the attack and was in critical but stable condition as of Saturday, her family said. Seaman said Ella's courage is something to be admired.

"I can't say enough of how proud of Ella I am," Seaman said Monday. "Her courage and strength at such a young age is nothing short of remarkable and we should all continue to keep her in our minds as she continues to recover."

A GoFundMe account set up for Seaman had raised nearly $65,000 as of Monday morning.

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