An openly gay male intern working for congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords has been hailed a hero by President Obama, after he saved the life of the shot politician.
Daniel Hernandez Jr had only been working for the politician for five days when the gunman opened fire. The 20-year-old was 30 meters away but rushed towards the sound of the shots to help Ms Giffords after she was shot in the head. He applied pressure to her wound and helped her sit upright to avoid choking on blood – actions which doctors say - saved her life.
At a service yesterday for the six killed and 14 injured in Tucson, Arizona, President Obama said: “Daniel, I’m sorry, you may deny it, but we’ve decided you are a hero.” After he was interrupted by applause, he continued: “You ran through the chaos to minister to your boss and tended to her wounds and helped keep her alive.”
Mr Hernandez had earlier declined to be called a hero, instead asking that the term be applied to Ms Giffords, her staff, police response teams and the doctors caring for the injured.
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