"A Hero Cannot Come Without Tragedy"- Student Who Took Down Seattle Pacific University Shooter Gives His First Public Statemen

Aimee Herd : Jun 10, 2014
Seattle Pacific University

"I would encourage that hate be met with love. When I came face to face with the attacker, God gave me the eyes to see that he was not a faceless monster, but a very sad and troubled young man." –Jon Meis

(Seattle, WA)—Seattle Pacific University (SPU) student, Jon Meis, likely had a lot on his mind. (Photo via CNN.com)

Engineering isn't an easy major, after all, and in addition, Meis would be getting married in just weeks to his fiancé, Kaylie Sparks.

Nonetheless, when Meis saw a man open fire on several students on the SPU campus last Thursday, he acted quickly and courageously, dousing the shooter with pepper spray and tackling him to the ground as the man was reloading.

According to a CNN report, officers are convinced that had he not done so, many more lives would have been lost.

One friend of the family noted that he wasn't surprised at Meis' heroic actions, "His resourcefulness, love for others and knowledge of the greater good are what defines him, in my mind," Andrew Van Ness told CNN.

But there's more than that that defines Meis—he is also a devout Christian.

On Monday, SPU released a public statement from Jon, regarding the shooting that reveals a deep level of humility and caring. Aside from the statement, Jon is not currently speaking to media.

Statement from Jon Meis:

To my brothers and sisters at Seattle Pacific University, and my brothers and sisters-in-Christ throughout the nation and the world,
Words cannot come close to expressing the tragedy that occurred this past week on our campus. Like everyone else, I would hear of these horrible events on the news, but go home knowing that it could never happen to us. On Thursday, my life changed. I was thrown into a life and death situation, and through God's grace I was able to stop the attacker and walk away unharmed. As I try to return to a normal life in the aftermath of this horrible event, I pray above all things for strength for the victims and their families. While my experience left me in physical shock, I know that many people are dealing with much greater grief than I have experienced, and in honesty I probably would not be able to handle it myself right now if I had personally known the victims.

I know that I am being hailed as a hero, and as many people have suggested I find this hard to accept. I am indeed a quiet and private individual; while I have imagined what it would be like to save a life I never believed I would be put in such a situation. It touches me truly and deeply to read online that parents are telling their children about me and telling them that real heroes do exist.

However, what I find most difficult about this situation is the devastating reality that a hero cannot come without tragedy. In the midst of this attention, we cannot ignore that a life was taken from us, ruthlessly and without justification or cause. Others were badly injured, and many more will carry this event with them the rest of their lives. Nonetheless, I would encourage that hate be met with love. When I came face to face with the attacker, God gave me the eyes to see that he was not a faceless monster, but a very sad and troubled young man. While I cannot at this time find it within me to forgive his crime, I truly desire that he will find the grace of God and the forgiveness of our community.

I would like to truly thank the responders who secured the building and the medical staff who looked after myself and those who were injured. After being in this situation myself, it is even harder to imagine what it would be like to have a job where one's life is willingly put on the line every day. To our police, emergency responders, and armed forces, you have my greatest respect.

I am overwhelmed with the incredible generosity that has been showered upon me. It has been deeply touching to read the comments online and realize that my actions have had such a strikingly widespread effect. Moving forward, I am strongly requesting that any future donations be given to the victims through Seattle Pacific University.

I am grateful for the prayers and support coming from our home city and afar. In these next few days, weeks, and months, please continue to pray for everyone in the Seattle Pacific community. We serve a truly awesome God and I firmly believe that it is through Him alone that we will find the strength to heal from this tragedy.

Jon Meis
Student, Seattle Pacific University

Jon may be shunning the title of "hero," however; those who appreciate what he did are expressing their gratitude in an extraordinary way. (Photo via BearingArms.com)

Through the internet, someone found and shared the open wedding registry for Jon and Kaylie, and in just two weeks, the entire wedding registry had been completely bought out, according to a Bearing Arms report.

In addition, a Gofundme campaign had been started by the title of the "Jon and Kaylie Meis Honeymoon & future" fund, and support began pouring in from around the world. In just a short amount of time $50,405.00 was raised, until Jon released the above statement and the donation option was turned off according to his wishes.