Marine being hailed as hero for actions during Orlando nightclub attack


A Former US Marine is credited with displaying heroic behavior during the June 12th terrorist attack at an Orlando nightclub- behavior that saved dozens of lives.

When former security guard Omar Mateen chose the Pulse nightclub as a “soft target” for his heinous attack, he was not expecting a deployment-hardened former US Marine to be one of the bouncers.

While 24-year old veteran Imran Yousuf was making his rounds during final call at the nightclub, he only missed Mateen by good fortune.

Suddenly, the Afghanistan veteran heard a sound that was all too familiar to him- the sound of gunfire.

“The initial one was three or four (shots). That was a shock. Three of four shots go off and you could tell it was a high caliber,” he said. “Everyone froze. I’m here in the back and I saw people start pouring into the back hallway, and they just sardine pack everyone.”

According to CBS News, the Marine sprung into action, demanding the crowd unlatch a door that could allow the potential victims to escape.

“And I’m screaming ‘Open the door! Open the door!’ And no one is moving because they are scared,” he explained. “There was only one choice. Either we all stay there and we all die, or I could take the chance, and I jumped over to open that latch a we got everyone that we can out of there.”

When asked how many people he saved, he said “”Probably over 60, 70” and that once the crowd saw an exit, they began pouring out.

Despite saving lives, Yousuf felt it wasn’t enough.

“I wish I could have saved more to be honest,” he said as he broke down. “There are a lot of people that are dead. There are a lot of people that are dead.”

© 2016 Bright Mountain Media, Inc.

All rights reserved. The content of this webpage may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written consent of Bright Mountain Media, Inc. which may be contacted at[email protected], ticker BMTM.

Author

  • Andy Wolf

    Andy Wolf is an Appalachian native who spent much of his youth and young adulthood overseas in search of combat, riches, and adventure- accruing decades of experience in military, corporate, first responder, journalistic and advisory roles. He resides in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains with his K9 companion, Kiki.

Post navigation