Heroes of Orlando nightclub shooting: bystanders help victims to safety - TomoNews
- 8 years ago
ORLANDO, FLORIDA — The June 12 Orlando nightclub shooting resulted in 49 dead and over 50 injured. The incident brought about by Omar Mateen, 29, of Fort Pierce, Florida, at Pulse, a gay nightclub in the heart of Orlando, is being called the deadliest mass shooting in American history.
Horror struck the nation, which rallied in support. But among the tragic news rose stories about the heroes who helped others during the shooting.
Joshua McGill was standing near a door leading to an outdoor patio when he heard three initial shots. Initially, McGill fled and hid under a car. But when the 26-year-old saw a man covered in blood, limping from the club, he rushed to help.
McGill used his shirt to wrap 27-year-old Rodney Sumter’s arm to stop the bleeding. He used Sumter’s shirt as a tourniquet on the other arm. The two then made their way to police vehicles, where McGill wrapped his arms around Sumter to prevent blood loss from his back, and asked him questions to ensure he would stay conscious.
Sumpter is currently recovering in the hospital.
Ray Rivera, also known as DJ Infinite, was spinning at Pulse the night of the incident. When shots rang out, Ray Rivera ducked behind his booth and a man and a woman joined him hiding. When there was a break in the shots, the man made a run for it. Rivera stayed with the woman and shielded her as they made their way to safety.
Edward Sotomayor was one of the first victims to be identified. The 34-year-old reportedly was shot in the back while pushing his boyfriend to safety. He is the national brand manager for Al and Chuck Travel, a gay travel company. He was reportedly once called “a joy” by celebrity drag queen RuPaul. Edward Sotomayor’s boss told the Orlando Sentinel that of the risks of traveling as a gay man, Sotomayor would say, “We cannot be afraid.”
Christopher Hansen was inside the club ordering a drink when the shooting occurred. He fell to his arms and knees, crawling to make his way out the backdoor. Along the way, Hansen stopped to check on other club goers. Hansen helped a bartender and made sure she was safe while she searched for her girlfriend in the crowd. Outside, he helped stop the bleeding in victims’ wounds.
The night of the shooting was Hansen’s first time at the club.
Horror struck the nation, which rallied in support. But among the tragic news rose stories about the heroes who helped others during the shooting.
Joshua McGill was standing near a door leading to an outdoor patio when he heard three initial shots. Initially, McGill fled and hid under a car. But when the 26-year-old saw a man covered in blood, limping from the club, he rushed to help.
McGill used his shirt to wrap 27-year-old Rodney Sumter’s arm to stop the bleeding. He used Sumter’s shirt as a tourniquet on the other arm. The two then made their way to police vehicles, where McGill wrapped his arms around Sumter to prevent blood loss from his back, and asked him questions to ensure he would stay conscious.
Sumpter is currently recovering in the hospital.
Ray Rivera, also known as DJ Infinite, was spinning at Pulse the night of the incident. When shots rang out, Ray Rivera ducked behind his booth and a man and a woman joined him hiding. When there was a break in the shots, the man made a run for it. Rivera stayed with the woman and shielded her as they made their way to safety.
Edward Sotomayor was one of the first victims to be identified. The 34-year-old reportedly was shot in the back while pushing his boyfriend to safety. He is the national brand manager for Al and Chuck Travel, a gay travel company. He was reportedly once called “a joy” by celebrity drag queen RuPaul. Edward Sotomayor’s boss told the Orlando Sentinel that of the risks of traveling as a gay man, Sotomayor would say, “We cannot be afraid.”
Christopher Hansen was inside the club ordering a drink when the shooting occurred. He fell to his arms and knees, crawling to make his way out the backdoor. Along the way, Hansen stopped to check on other club goers. Hansen helped a bartender and made sure she was safe while she searched for her girlfriend in the crowd. Outside, he helped stop the bleeding in victims’ wounds.
The night of the shooting was Hansen’s first time at the club.