Veteran Father's Plea Brought No Mercy From Oregon Gunman
ROSEBURG, Ore. - An Army veteran is recovering and being hailed a hero after his family said he was shot while trying to protect others as the Oregon gunman barged into a college classroom on Thursday and opened fire. He took at least five bullets while pleading it was his son’s birthday.
A GoFundMe account has been set up for Chris Mintz. According to his cousin, the 30-year-old father was injured at Umpqua Community College Thursday. The North Carolina native is studying at the school to become a fitness trainer, FOXNews.com said.
As the horrific scene unfolded Thursday, Mintz hurled himself against the door hoping to stop the gunman, who has been identified as Christopher Harper Mercer. At least nine people were killed and seven others were wounded.
Mintz’s aunt told The Daily Beast when her nephew was struck three times as the gunman entered inside, the former soldier called out it was his son's sixth birthday. Wanda Mintz said his plea was rewarded with two more shots.
Mintz had celebrated with his son prior to attending class Thursday. The last post on his Facebook page before the shooting wished his son a happy birthday.
The GoFundMe account was set up by Derek Bourgeois, who is Mintz's cousin. Bourgeois said Mintz was shot a total of seven times.
"The funds are going to be sent directly to Chris to assist with his recovery."
View the GoFundMe account here.