Shooting Hero to Be Buried With Full Military Honors

Thousands signed a petition to recognize Riley Howell
By Bob Cronin,  Newser Staff
Posted May 5, 2019 8:35 AM CDT
Funeral for Shooting Hero Will Include Military Honors
Riley Howell tackled the gunman during a classroom shooting.   (Matthew Westmoreland via AP)

After more than 33,000 people signed a petition requesting the honor, the college student who was killed trying to stop a gunman in his North Carolina classroom will be buried with full military honors Sunday, CBS News reports. Riley Howell, 21, was in the ROTC program at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. He "died saving the lives of his classmates," the petition says. Lt. Col. Chunka Smith said the National Guard and Army "will ensure that Riley Howell is properly recognized for his heroism." ROTC students will be taught Howell's story, per Stars and Stripes. "They will carry and spread the legacy of Riley Howell," Smith said.

"Though our time with Riley was brief, I can tell you that he stood out," Smith said. "Riley stood out because of his strong, tall, athletic build and his overall calm presence. He embodied everything we look for in future officers." Howell tackled a shooter who had opened fire with a handgun in an anthropology class last week. Ellis Parlier, 19, also was killed, and four students were injured. Sophomore Jeremy Shue had been friends with Parlier since sixth grade, and tells CBS that Parlier was empathetic and caring. "I'll remember him as a passionate guy who was a great friend and resource." (Howell's hometown gave him "a hero's welcome.")

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