It started out as just another day for Chris Mintz, a student at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon, but what happened on Thursday, October 1st would change his life forever.
A military veteran of ten years, Mintz was in his classroom when he heard multiple gunshots being fired next door. Rather than panicking, he walked to the door where he met the gunman, who killed nine people that day, and injured many others.
Mintz asked the shooter to calm down, and attempted to talk him out of what he was doing. He was then shot seven times, suffering two broken legs, on the same day as his son’s birthday.
Now on his way to recovery in the hospital, Mintz is being called a hero and receiving national attention all the way up to the White House, where a petition has been started to award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He is expected to survive, but will need to learn how to walk again.
Mintz’s family, who has spoken on his behalf, has created a GoFundMe account for his medical bills, raising over $765,000. They have thanked everyone for their support, and reminded those donating not to forget the other victims.
