You may have seen his image circulating on social media. Meet David Johnson, a dedicated father of three and copy machine technician, who courageously risked his life to save around 30 individuals during the tragic events of the Las Vegas shooting.
In the aftermath of the devastating attack at the Mandalay Bay concert, a journalist from The Washington Post shared a poignant photo of Johnson, bandaged and wounded. Her tweet read: “David Johnson, 30, saved approximately 30 people last night before he was shot in the neck. He may have to live with the bullet for the rest of his life.” This story resonated widely, as the public searched for tales of heroism amidst the chaos.
In a recent interview with the same journalist, Sarah Anderson, further details of Johnson’s remarkable bravery were revealed. He had attended the concert with nine family members to celebrate his brother’s 43rd birthday. Among them were his three nieces, aged 22, 18, and 17, who were positioned near the stage when the gunfire erupted.
Johnson instructed his family to hold hands and flee, but in the ensuing panic, they became separated. As he searched for his nieces, he noticed many people frozen in fear and confusion. He shouted, “Active shooter! We need to get out of here!” Taking action, he guided several individuals to a nearby parking lot where they could find shelter behind cars. In the process of helping others find safety, he was shot in the neck.
As the night unfolded, Johnson’s bravery inspired others to step up. An off-duty police officer from San Diego rushed to his side, applied pressure to his wound, and flagged down a truck to transport him to the hospital.
In situations like this, one would typically expect instinct to drive people to flee. Yet, many, including Johnson, chose to risk their own safety to protect their loved ones and even strangers. His quick thinking ensured that around 30 people were able to escape unharmed.
What drives someone to act selflessly in the face of danger? For Johnson, it was straightforward: “I decided I’m not going to leave anyone behind,” he shared in an interview with The Today Show.
The bullet lodged in his neck caused multiple injuries, including a broken collarbone and bruised lung. Doctors have indicated that removing it could lead to further complications, meaning Johnson may have to live with the bullet indefinitely. He humbly remarked, “I don’t see myself as a hero. I would hope someone would do the same for me. No one should lose their life at a music festival.”
Fortunately, every member of Johnson’s family who attended the concert survived, largely due to his decisive actions. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist him with medical costs and the time he’ll need off work to recover from his injuries.
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In summary, David Johnson exemplifies extraordinary bravery and selflessness in the face of unimaginable danger. His actions not only saved lives but also serve as a reminder of the innate heroism that can emerge in our darkest hours.