US President Joe Biden on Thursday thanked a 26-year-old man who wrestled the gun away from a suspected mass shooter in California, and said: "You are America." Biden shared the recording of his call with the man named Brandon Tsay, who is responsible for disarming a gunman in Monterey Park, California shooting that left 11 dead.
Biden lauded Tsay for his action and called it an act of incredible courage in the face of danger. "I wanted to call and see how you're doing and thank you for taking such incredible action in the face of danger," he told Tsay.
Tsay wrestled the firearm from a 72-year-old man at a ballroom in Alhambra during Lunar New Year celebrations after the suspect went on a shooting spree. It is only after Tsay secured the gun following an extended tussle, the suspect left the Lai Lai Ballroom & Studio, according to the closed circuit video released by US media. The suspect later shot himself dead as police closed in on his van.
"I don't think you understand just how much you've done for so many people who are never even going to know you. But I want them to know more about you," Biden said. "You have my respect. You are America, pal," the president said, adding, "America's never backed down. We've always stepped up because of people like you."
On the other end, Tsay could be heard saying, "Still processing what I did and what I experienced. For you to call, that's just so comforting for me."
At a White House celebration later Thursday for the Lunar New Year, Biden called for a moment of silence in memory of the victims and again praised Tsay, reported news agency AFP. "He charged the gunman, wrestled him to the ground and took away a semi-automatic pistol," Biden said.
"I think sometimes we underestimate the incredible acts of courage: someone is shooting and has a semi-automatic pistol aimed at you and you think about others. It's pretty profound," the President added.