Dark Knight Victim May Have Tried to Stop Shooter

Friends say police think Jonathan Blunk died going after suspect
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Aug 3, 2012 6:15 PM CDT
Dark Knight Victim May Have Tried to Stop Shooter
Family members of Colorado shooting victim Jonathan Blunk comfort his daughter, Hailey, 4, during a graveside service in Reno, Nev., Friday.   (AP Photo/Cathleen Allison)

A Navy veteran who died after throwing himself in front of a friend during the Colorado movie theater shooting was remembered today for his fearlessness and optimism. Some mourners at the funeral for 26-year-old Jonathan Blunk also said they've been told by officials that he may have tried to stand up to the heavily armed gunman and stop him during the July 20 attack in Aurora, Colo.

"Law enforcement is leaning toward he was trying to get the (suspect's) gun to save people's lives," said Roland Lackey, an Air Force veteran who officiated the service. "He was a hero, and I salute him." An FBI spokesman said a court gag-order prevented him from commenting on the case. Kyle Dawson, his shipmate in the Navy, said authorities told Blunk's widow that her husband matched the description of a man who went after the suspect. Based on where Blunk's body was found in the theater, Dawson said, "He was trying to get the guy. ... Jonny had no fear in any situation." (More Aurora, Colorado stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X