Obama phones woman credited with stopping gunman

SYRACUSE, New York – President Barack Obama has phoned a woman credited with helping prevent a school shooting to thank her for her actions.

The White House said Obama spoke with Antoinette Tuff on Thursday while in New York, where he is on an education-focused bus trip.

The White House said the president praised Tuff for the courage she displayed earlier this week while talking to a gunman who entered the school where she works.

Police said Tuff, a school bookkeeper, was heroic in how she responded after being taken hostage by the gunman. They credit her calm demeanor and kind approach with persuading the man to surrender and ending the ordeal without any injuries.