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Who is Krista Gneiting? Idaho teacher who disarmed 6th-grade girl by hugging her rejects GoFundMe donations

'I don't want money, I just appreciate the incredible support of Rigby,' she said in a Facebook post

During the shooting incident at Rigby Middle School in Idaho, the bravery of a teacher helped saved the lives of the students and school staffers. When a girl from the 6th grade started firing multiple rounds from a handgun, it was math teacher Krista Turnblom Gneiting who single-handedly disarmed her. She kept her subdued until the police arrived at the scene and escorted her to custody. 

Gneiting is being praised widely for her heroic act and even a GoFundMe has been set up by her son-in-law upon special requests from the people. However, Gneiting later specified in a Facebook post that she does not want the money. "My heart is touched by all the incredible outpouring of love I've received. 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!!!! 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," the 45-year-old wrote on Facebook in a group called 'Life in Rigby'. 

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Who is Krista Turnblom Gneiting?

Krista Gneiting's Facebook profile shows her to be a native of Rigby, Idaho, where she teaches math at the Rigby Middle School. A married mother-of-three, Gneiting sprung into action on the fateful morning of May 6, 2021, when one of the sixth grade students started shooting at the school. She pulled out a handgun from her backpack and fired several rounds inside and outside the school building, injuring two students and school janitor Jim Wilson in the process. 

The damage could have been worse without Gneiting's timely intervention, as many agree. Her Facebook profile reveals her to be gun-friendly, as evident from a number of photos with guns, which appear to be real. In one of the photos, her three children can be seen holding different types of firearms, whereas, in another, a handgun can be seen lying on a stack of worksheets besides a glass and a can of Dr Pepper.

Nevertheless, there is no denying that Gneiting displayed utmost courage as she hugged and helped the young girl who was about to shoot others. According to Erin McLaughlin from NBC News, "She (Krista) sat the girl down and gave her a tight hug. The girl repeatedly asked Krista to take the gun and kill her.... Krista continued to hug her tight, until the police came."

"Krista is such an example of love and we admire her courage. Due to many requests, we have agreed to set up a gofundme. If we are able, we will try to put the funds into helping the little girl and others who have been impacted by this, such as students at the middle school. Thank you for your support and kindness! When Krista found out about this she said that the funds will go toward the students impacted," her son-in-law Tyler Passey mentioned in the GoFundMe post. 

'More Krista Gneitings in schools'

Social media users are lauding Krista Gneiting's bravery and compassion. "Thank you Krista Gneiting for being a Hero!," tweeted one user. Meanwhile, a second user wrote, "More Krista Gneiting’s in schools>>>>>> more guns in schools." Another user reiterated, "We need far less guns and more simple acts of human compassion like the ones displayed by Krista Gneiting." 

"#KristaGneiting is a hero. She likely saved many lives today while endangering her own. A 6th grader should not have access to a gun. When will the lives of our children matter enough to protect them from being killed in their classrooms? #GunControlNow," a fourth user tweeted.