He Charged an Active Sh*Oter and Sacrificed Himself so his Classmates Could Live, but Courage Like That Nobody Forgets, Rest in Peace to a True American Hero Riley Howell, 2019
On that fateful day at UNC Charlotte, this 21-year-old ROTC cadet faced pure evil without flinching. He charged the gunman, tackled him to the ground, and gave his classmates precious seconds to escape, ultimately sacrificing his own life to protect others.
His selfless bravery reflects the best of our nation’s character—ordinary citizens raised with a sense of duty, honor, and personal responsibility who step forward when it matters most. In times of tragedy, such stories remind us that courage and quick action save lives, not government mandates or empty rhetoric.
We owe it to Riley and every fallen hero to remember their sacrifice and instill these timeless values in the next generation. America thrives when we celebrate real strength and self-reliance, not when we allow media silence to bury tales of everyday patriots defending what is right.
