Daniel Hernandez on Monday received a
standing ovation led by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer.
Hernandez's quick thinking is credited
with helping to stop Arizona Representative Gabrielle Giffords'
bleeding after she was shot in the head during an outdoor rally in
Tucson on Saturday.
Six people, including a federal judge,
died during the shooting rampage. Police arrested 22-year-old Jared
Lee Loughner at the scene.
Hernandez is openly gay and had been
Giffords' intern for just five days when he was asked to help out at
the event.
In an address to lawmakers, Brewer
spoke out in support of “extraordinary Arizonans who responded with
professionalism and saved lives” during the tragedy.
“Daniel Hernandez, a University of
Arizona student, showed no fear in the face of gunfire,” Brewer
said. “His quick action in going to Gabby Giffords' aid likely
saved her life. Daniel is here today and I'm going to ask him to
stand and receive the thanks of a very grateful state.”
Hernandez stood up and lawmakers gave
him a standing ovation.
In an earlier interview, Hernandez
denied that he's a hero, but added that Giffords is.