Story highlights
Officer risks his life to evacuate employees of Inland Regional Center
"I'll take a bullet before you do, that's for damn sure," says the unidentified officer
Hushed employees marched through the Inland Regional Center in a line, their arms raised, putting their lives in the hands of one brave officer.
“Try to relax, everyone. Try to relax. I’ll take a bullet before you do, that’s for damn sure,” said the unidentified officer.
The tension grew as the group waited for the elevator to arrive. Some people held hands, while others looked down at their phones gravely.
As the elevator dinged and the door opened, the officer hurriedly said, “Go, go, go, go.”
“What an honorable officer. Thank you sir. And thank you to his family for supporting him while he puts his life on the line,” wrote one person in reaction to the video on Facebook.
Others shared a similar sentiment.
The mystery officer’s bravery has become emblematic of the massive effort law enforcement made to keep people safe in the aftermath of the shooting in San Bernardino, California.
Joko Manullang witnessed the police cars barreling down his street in a residential area of San Bernardino. He captured video of the dramatic shootout with the two suspects.
Social media mourns, prays after San Bernardino shooting
As the dark SUV sat still, riddled with bullets, a group of officers cautiously approached the vehicle on foot. One suspect lay dead in the street, and officers didn’t know at that point if others were out there. The intensity of the moment was palpable.
“We couldn’t ask for a more effective response,” San Bernardino Mayor Carey Davis told CNN. “They did their job. They did it with deliberation. They met the challenge and they will continue to do the best that they can.”
