Daniel Hernandez, Gay Intern for Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, Credited With Saving Her Life

According to the Dallas Voice, twenty-year-old University of Arizona student Daniel Hernandez is being credited with saving the life of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords who was critically injured during a shooting in Tucson on Saturday.

According to the Arizona Republic, Hernandez was standing near Giffords during the “Congress on Your Corner” event when the gunfire began. After running toward the sound of the shots, Hernandez assisted the injured by checking for pulses, and when he reached Giffords, he applied pressure to the gunshot wound on her forehead, then pulled her into his lap so she was upright and wouldn’t choke on her blood. 

Hernandez then rode with with Giffords to the hospital.

Hernandez, who confirmed he is gay to Instant Tea, is also a member of the City of Tucson Commission on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Issues. Of Giffords, Hernandez says,  “She’s been a great ally to the LGBT community."

Here is report on the shooting with Christiane Amanpour that includes a phone interview with Hernandez.