Father of injured student: ‘I think she should go back’

By JUSTIN SMITH

Kishwaukee Community Hospital held a brief news conference Monday afternoon to update the status of one of the students injured in Thursday’s shooting, Samantha Dehner, 20.

Following comments from her doctors, Ms. Dehner’s father, Robert, took to the microphone for about 10 minutes.

Ms. Dehner sat nearby in a wheelchair, wearing an arm sling, which her doctors said was due to damage of her arm.

“It will take months to years for her to regain full use of her arm,” said one of her surgeons, Dr. Rajeev Jain.

Mr. Dehner appeared to have controlled emotions, considering his family’s recent stress, and praised the community for its support.

“The community has been unbelievable,” he said.

While Mr. Dehner was praising local businesses for their outreach, Samantha became emotional and left the room.

Mr. Dehner also indicated Samantha eventually will return to attend classes at NIU.

“At first, she said she didn’t [want to return],” he said. “But she does now. I think she should go back.”