Daniel Hernandez will attend Obama's State of the Union address on Tuesday as a guest of Michelle Obama.

Hernandez had been Arizona Representative Gabrielle Giffords' intern for just five days when he was asked to help out at a Congress On Your Corner outdoor event in Tucson.

His quick thinking is credited with helping stop Giffords' bleeding after she was shot in the head during the rally.

Six people, including a federal judge and a nine-year-old girl, died during the shooting rampage.

At a memorial service to remember the victims, Obama praised Hernandez for his heroic deeds.

The 20-year-old Hernandez, who is openly gay, told the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest gay rights advocate, that the shooting serves as a reminder that gay people contribute to society every day.

“We are in every part of the American community,” Hernandez said. “The best thing we can do is to be extraordinary as we live ordinary lives – to live, love and learn.”

Hernandez has previously denied he's a hero, but added that Giffords is.