By Darren Smith, Weekend Contributor
The tragedy of the deaths and wounding of students and faculty of Umpqua Community College was without doubt a terrible event. We first and foremost must center our prayers and attention towards the victims and their families who have endured suffering and pain that we hope to never experience ourselves.
But if anything can be praised it is the police, emergency crews, and community members who took upon the risks and the responsibility to protect the victims and provide at least a measure of comfort to the survivors and those who did not make it. One person in particular truly caught my attention and I am sure everyone else as well. He is Chris Mintz, who undoubtedly saved several lives but as a result became one of the shooting victims himself.
His actions are truly heroic as you may certainly agree.
Chris Mintz was attending class at Umpqua Community College when he heard shots ring out in an adjacent room. Instead of running for safety, the ten year military veteran went toward the scene, directing people away from the danger. He found and walked toward the shooter, trying to prevent him from entering another classroom by blocking the doorway. He attempted to calm the shooter by talking to him and trying to buy time and life for the other students. Mintz certainly knew the great risk of facing this armed attacker alone and it did not go well for him.
Chris was hit multiple times from gunfire and went down. As the gunman walked toward him, Chris told his assailant that today was his son’s birthday. Showing no mercy his assailant shot him again.
In all Chris was shot seven times trying to protect others. Authorities credit Chris with delaying the shooter and in doing so likely saved numerous lives. Though exact details of the events are still in flux with reporting information, it is clear Chris Mintz’ actions were heroic and lifesaving.
Police arrived six minutes after the active shooter dispatch went out. Every second in distraction of the shooter helped law enforcement arrive and be able to more quickly confront the gunman, who then committed suicide.
A hospital spokesperson stated that Chris suffered hits to his hands, arms, back, stomach and both legs were broken. Despite this he is expected to recover but he will need extensive rehabilitation.
I cannot stress how brave his actions were and how inspiring his story can be for many.
His cousin sponsored a GoFundMe petition to help defray the costs of his medical bills. Social media took hold and contributions from seventeen thousand donors rapidly poured in. Initially ten thousand dollars was requested in the fund drive, but in the first twenty two hours over half a million dollars poured in from grateful citizens. It is certainly enlightening.
I have to stress that Chris Metz was not the only victim and that others suffered as much or worse as lives were tragically lost. Other victims now have similar pages started but have not yet garnered such large donations. Those also deserve contributions as well. Since it is only the beginning of such things I will at a later time attempt to compile a list of other victims’ pages or sources where funds may be directed in their direction.
UPDATE:Officials announced the shooter committed suicide during the shout-out with police.
By Darren Smith
Sources:
CNN
Chris Mintz GoFundMe Page
Northwest Cable News
The views expressed in this posting are the author’s alone and not those of the blog, the host, or other weekend bloggers. As an open forum, weekend bloggers post independently without pre-approval or review. Content and any displays or art are solely their decision and responsibility.
Davidm
You would make an excellent politician of the Inhofe sort. No matter how ludicrous what you say is, keep saying it and a few will hook on. Listen to Inhofe’s conviction when he speaks. He laughs at the 99 % who don’t go along with him. All it takes to get someone to represent you is that 1 %. However, it would be refreshing to have some common sense from time to time.
Now David, argue some of Inhofe’s points. Start with the ice cube in the glass of water melting doesn’t make the water level rise so the Arctic and Antarctic ice melting won’t raise the sea levels. Or are you just playing with me?
Ah, I’ve already got two suckling babes, what is a good woman to do?!
How did a man get his supper back then… Women were over worked and never paid.
Oh, silly me… Traditional marriage of ‘One man and two or three wives’ = a full belly.
Annie,
The baby is crying…
forget,
“the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”
= = =
Would you agree that the Right is infringed upon Federal Criminals?
As the Second Amendment makes no allowances for such infringements, yes?
Would you agree that Right should infringe upon the mentally ill?
As the Second Amendment doesn’t have such allowances for such infringements, yes?
I am toasting my buns presently, Max, I will stoke the fire forthwith!
forget,
What threat is Oregon under?
Annie,
When you get a break between the pearl and stitch, do toss another log on the stove.
“…necessary to the security…”
Obama should read the Constitution and recommend the implementation of security to schools and large venues based on the 2nd Amendment wherein the Founders acknowledged the necessity of security. Arms are security.
To wit,
2nd Amendment
“A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”
Forget,
Should it ever happen to a family member of your’s…
… Should I repeat the insignificance of your loss?
Mr.Forget, tell everyone why Obama isn’t a natural born citizen again, thanks in advance.
Thank you, Max and Company.
We will accept your concession. Reversion to childhood is as good as any.
Please don’t hesitate to return for another debate.
Please come prepared, however.
It’s disappointing, engaging in a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.
Where’s the fun in that?
I am knitting some wool stockings as we speak, Max.
Bonets and petticoats…
Annie,
Are you a land owner? If not, mind your place a sew something.
Maybe wool stockings and shoes with buckles will come back into fashion.
Forget,
How many murders by gunz is too many for you?
Forget,
Try to make that argument to their parents… Duh!
Forget
“I wonder if Max and Company are radical extremists, incapable or rational thought, debate or life. Duh!”
= = =
To suggest that the student’s who were murdered are insignificant… in comparison, that is…
Isn’t that the argument you posture?
Duh… Indeed!
Annie
“was a self identified conservative Republican.”
= = =
It’s never when…