Crime, Federal Judges, Guns / Firearms, Violence

Judge John Roll Died A Hero

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Investigators looking at surveillance footage from the Tucson attack on Representative Gabrielle Giffords say that Chief Judge John Roll died a hero. According to the New York Times, the video shows that Judge Roll apparently died while helping to save the life of Ronald Barber, a Giffords staffer. Barber, who was shot twice while standing near Congresswoman Giffords, survived the attack and has since left the hospital.

The descriptions of Judge Roll’s actions during the shooting are amazing…

Investigators say that Jared Lee Loughner fired off 31 shots in 15 seconds. Judge Roll’s last 15 seconds were pretty impressive:

Describing the video, [investigator Richard] Kastigar said the judge was “intentionally trying to help Mr. Barber,” adding, “It’s very clear to me the judge was thinking of his fellow human more than himself.”

The judge guides Mr. Barber to the ground, shields him with his body, and then tries to push himself and Mr. Barber away from the gunman, who was no more than three to four feet away as he fired, Mr. Kastigar said.

“He pushes Mr. Barber with his right hand and guides him with his left hand. The judge was on top of him and is covering up Mr. Barber, literally lying on top of him, and his back was exposed,” Mr. Kastigar said.

The judge was shot in the back. Ms. Giffords remains in the hospital in serious condition, and doctors said Tuesday that she continued to improve.

Rest in peace, Judge Roll.

Video Captured ‘Calculated’ Gunman in Tucson [New York Times]
Videos show details of Tucson shooting [Washington Post]
‘It’s Pretty Evident to Me That Judge Roll was a Hero’ [WSJ Law Blog]

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Earlier: Prior ATL coverage of Chief Judge John M. Roll

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