Back in June, our country was shocked by the horrifying shooting incident at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Over 49 people were killed and 53 were wounded. Out of the melee a hero arose.
Marine Corps veteran Imran Yousuf saved at least 70 lives that night. He was working as a bouncer at the club. He noticed a group of people who were trapped, so he busted a door open and many people were able to get out.
This guy saved 70 people in Orlando shootings. His name is Imran Yousuf. https://t.co/1Y1Gi9zk64 pic.twitter.com/QYupIFR4wj
— WARN (@we_are_warn) June 25, 2016
The largest organization for LGBT military families, The American Military Partner Association, will be honoring Yousuf at their West Coast gala on September 17.
AMPA president Ashley Broadway-Mack said:
“Imran represents the best of America and the best of America’s military community, as evidenced by his quick and heroic actions amid the chaos and carnage of the tragedy in Orlando. While he humbly may not consider himself a hero, his courageous actions in the face of mortal danger that saved the lives of more than 70 of our LGBT brothers and sisters say otherwise. He is certainly a hero to our community and to all of America, and we are proud to honor Imran with our 2016 Community Hero Award at the inaugural AMPA West Coast Gala in San Diego.”
He said this about his reaction to the shooting:
“I’m screaming ‘Open the door! Open the door!’ And no one is moving because they are scared.”
“There was only one choice — either we all stay there and we all die, or I could take the chance, and I jumped over to open that latch and we got everyone that we can out of there.”
He believes that he acted on instinct. He recognized that sound and was able to act quickly to save everyone he could. He also helped carry out many injured people.
Yousuf said:
“There are a lot of people naming me a hero and as a former Marine and Afghan veteran. I honestly believe I reacted by instinct. We need to show our love and profound efforts to the families and friends who have lost someone and help them cope with what happened and turn our efforts to those who truly need it.”
This man is a hero.
Here is a clip from an interview he gave about that night:
Featured image via Twitter.
