PCSO Press Release:
Sheriff Clarence Dupnik and the entire Pima County Sheriff’s Department would like to thank and commend the citizens who detained suspect Jared Loughner during this incident. These individuals, with no concern for their own safety, tackled Loughner to the ground and took away his weapon. Please take a moment to read their amazing stories!
On Saturday, January 8, 2011, Jared Loughner opened fire at a “Congress on Your Corner” event held by Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Loughner had already fired 31 rounds from a Glock 19 with an extended magazine, hitting 19 people. Even though the first magazine was empty, Loughner had no intention of ceasing this vicious attack.
During a lull of gunfire, Bill Badger and Roger Salzgeber took the opportunity to tackle Loughner, who was still trying to reload his weapon. Badger, who had been grazed by a bullet and was bleeding from the head, and Salzgeber held strong while Loughner struggled to get free.
Patricia Maisch was on the ground when Badger and Salzgeber took Loughner down. Maisch, who saw that Loughner was still trying to reload, grabbed the magazine and held tight, preventing Loughner from successfully reloading. Maisch was not yet done helping! She held fast to Loughner’s feet to prevent him from kicking and trying to get free.
Joseph Zamudio had just finished shopping at Walgreens when he noticed the commotion at Safeway. Zamudio made a quick decision and ran towards the danger! Zamudio took over restraining Loughner’s legs so Maisch could tend to Badger’s wounds.
These brave citizens, total strangers, worked together to restrain Loughner until deputies arrived. Without their help, Loughner would have continued his rampage and injured other innocent people.
In addition, there were many other citizens who provided assistance to the injured and we commend their actions. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department recognizes their courage in the face of danger and their selflessness in helping others.