Meet David Thompson, a copy machine technician and devoted father of three, who heroically intervened during the tragic events in Las Vegas. He is credited with saving around 30 lives during the horrifying incident.
The day after the mass shooting outside Mandalay Bay, a Washington Post reporter shared a photo of a man with a bandage on his neck, tweeting, “David Thompson, 30, saved ~30 people last night before he was shot in the neck. He might carry the bullet for the rest of his life.” This tweet quickly gained traction, as we all sought stories of courage in the wake of such chaos.
Today, the same reporter, Heather Long, has published an insightful interview with Thompson, revealing more about his courageous actions during one of the worst mass shootings in American history.
The Incident
Thompson was at the concert with nine family members, celebrating his brother’s birthday. Among them were his three nieces, aged 22, 18, and 17. As the gunfire erupted, they were seated near the front, and chaos ensued. Thompson urged his family to hold hands and run, but the panic caused them to become separated.
In the midst of confusion, he began shouting, “Active shooter, active shooter, let’s go! We have to run.” He led several people to a parking lot, where they took cover behind cars. Spotting a few girls who were not fully sheltered, Thompson stood up to assist them, and that’s when he was shot in the neck.
Heroic Actions
As Thompson displayed incredible bravery, an off-duty police officer from San Diego rushed to his aid, applying pressure to the wound and securing a truck to transport him to the hospital. While most people would instinctively flee in such a situation, many, including Thompson, chose to prioritize the safety of their loved ones and, in some cases, even strangers. Thanks to his quick thinking, approximately 30 individuals were able to escape unharmed.
Motivation and Recovery
What drives someone to act selflessly in a crisis? For Thompson, it was simple: “I decided I’m not going to leave anybody behind,” he shared with The Today Show. The bullet that struck him shattered his collarbone, cracked a rib, and bruised his lung, but doctors are hesitant to remove it, fearing it could worsen his condition. “I might have to live with this bullet for the rest of my life,” he acknowledged.
Thompson remains humble about his actions, saying, “I don’t see myself that way. I would want someone to do the same for me. No one deserves to lose their life at a concert.” Fortunately, every member of his family who attended the concert survived, likely thanks to his decisive actions.
Support for Thompson
To assist with his medical expenses and recovery, a GoFundMe page has been established.
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Conclusion
In summary, David Thompson’s courageous actions during the Las Vegas shooting not only saved lives but also showcased the incredible strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. His selflessness and quick thinking turned a night of terror into one of hope for many.