Marine veteran Imran Yousuf is being hailed as a hero after his quick thinking saved dozens of people during the shooting at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando this Sunday.
Yousuf, who was working as a bouncer at the club, quickly recognized the sound of gunshots and used what he calls his “instinct” to identify and execute an escape plan, according to a report.
“Everyone froze. I’m here in the back, and I saw people start pouring into the back hallway, and they just sardine-pack everyone,” Yousuf said.
Putting his own life at risk, Yousuf jumped in front of the panicked crowd to open a nearby door as club-goers panicked and the threat grew.
“Either we all stay there and we all die, or I could take the chance of getting shot and saving everyone else,” Yousuf said.
According to his own estimates, Youstuf said that approximately 60 or 70 people were saved because of his decisiveness.
Yousuf served in the Marine Corps for six years as an engineer equipment electrical systems technician, and was assigned to the 3rd Marine Logistics Group while serving in Afghanistan in 2011.
During his pre-deployment period, Yousuf received Enhanced Mojave Viper Training in Twentynine Palms, Calif. This training, which MilitaryNewcomers.com called “the most realistic, live-fire training exercise in the Marine Corps,” serves to prepare Marines for high stakes situations.
However, while America is calling him a hero, Yousuf insists that he “just reacted” and that the focus should be on the victims of this tragedy and their families.
“We need to show our love and profound efforts to the families and friends who have lost someone and help them cope with what happened and turn our efforts to those who truly need it,” he wrote in a Facebook post.
“Once again, I sincerely thank everyone and bless all those who are recovering and trying to make sense of it all.”
