Not all heroes wear capes, and it certainly goes for 53-year-old Mike McGarry.
The financial advisor from Philadelphia has become somewhat of a standout figure of the mass shooting in Las Vegas on Sunday night, where 59 were killed and a further 515 injured.
64-year-old Stephen Haddock shot at thousands of concert-goers attending the last evening of Route 91 Harvest Music Festival in the city from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel.
It’s the story emerging of Mike McGarry which has captured the world’s attention amidst the devastation.
McGarry told Reuters the back of his shirt was muddied in foot-marks after people had ran over him in a state of panic.
The idea someone could be so selfless in the face of danger serves as a glimmer of hope in what seems a pretty morbid world right now.
President Donald Trump issued a statement from the White House, condemning what he called ‘an act of pure evil.’
He said:
Thank you. My fellow Americans, we are joined together today in sadness, shock, and grief. Last night, a gunman opened fire on a large crowd, at a country music concert in Las Vegas, Nevada. He brutally murdered more than 50 people and wounded hundreds more. It was an act of pure evil.
The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security are working closely with local authorities to assist with the investigation and they will provide updates as to the investigation and how it develops. I want to thank the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and all of the first responders for all of their courageous efforts and for helping to save the lives of so many.
The speed with which they acted is miraculous, and prevented further loss of life. To have found the shooter so quickly after the first shots were fired is something for which we will always be thankful and grateful. It shows what true professionalism is all about.
Imploring Americans to turn toward their faith, he added:
Hundreds of our fellow citizens are now mourning the sudden loss of a loved one. A parent, a child, a brother or sister. We cannot fathom their pain, we cannot imagine their loss. To the families of the victims, we are praying for you, and we are here for you, and we ask God to help see you through this very dark period.
Scripture teaches us the lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. We seek comfort in those words, for we know that God lives in the hearts of those who grieve.
In moments of tragedy and horror, America comes together as one, and it always has. We call upon the bonds that unite us — our faith, our family, and our shared values. We call upon the bonds of citizenship, the ties of community, and the comfort of our common humanity. Our unity cannot be shattered by evil, our bonds cannot be broken by violence, and though we feel such great anger at the senseless murder of our fellow citizens, it is our love that defines us today and always will, forever.
For families looking to locate missing loved ones, call 1-866-535-5654.
If you would like to donate blood for the injured victims of the Strip shooting visit the Labor Health & Welfare Clinic, 7135 W. Sahara.
