The Army vet who heroically charged the Oregon gunman is expected to recover

Candlelight vigil held for victims of the Umpqua shooting.
(Image credit: Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images)

Chris Mintz, a 30-year-old Army vet who survived combat deployment, wished his son a happy sixth birthday on Thursday before heading to his first week of classes at Umpqua Community College. At 10:38 a.m., a gunman began his rampage through the Snyder building on campus, an event that would leave ten dead, including the shooter, by the end of the day.

But when the attack began, Mintz didn't try to flee. In an act of heroism, The Daily Beast describes Mintz charging at the gunman in an effort to save others; he was shot at least five times as a result. Wounded on the floor, Mintz was overheard repeating, "It's my son's birthday, its my son's birthday."

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Jeva Lange

Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.