Seattle Area Girl in Critical Condition After Classroom Shooting
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David De Lossy/Thinkstock(SEATTLE) — A Seattle area third-grader is in critical condition Thursday after being shot in the abdomen when a gun went off in her classroom.
Amina Bowman, 8, was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center after the gun discharged from another student’s backpack around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to police in Bremerton, Wash. Upon arrival, she was quickly rushed into surgery, ABC News’ Seattle affiliate KOMO reported.
Armin Jahr Elementary School was put into immediate lockdown after the incident.
“She had the kids sit, get underneath their desks and then made sure that the kids were accounted for,” MaryLou Tucker, a parent of a student at the school, said of the teacher.
Students streamed from the school into the arms of worried parents minutes after the incident.
A friend says Bowman’s mother was in disbelief when the school called.
“She’s a sweet little girl, and I don’t know what to do,” Lori Morsette told ABC News. “I’m trying to be supportive for my friends, and I’m trying to be there for them. Right now, they’re at the hospital.”
Although it’s still unclear how the third-grader obtained a gun, the boy was taken into custody and booked into Kitsap County Juvenile Detention Center on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, bringing a weapon to school and assault, according to Bremerton police.
“We do have the other student and the weapon with us at this time,” Lt. Pete Fisher of the Bremerton Police Department told ABC News.
The gun was found inside the classroom as angry parents outside questioned how something like this could even happen.
Bremerton schools spokesman Patty Glaser said that the school will reopen on Thursday, and that three counselors will talk to teachers, students and parents.
“Students will continue to be safe at school, school will continue tomorrow, we will have grief counselors on site,” Glaser said.
Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio