The veteran who helped disarm the gunman at gay club says he followed his instincts

Richard Fierro talks during a news conference outside his home Monday about his efforts to subdue the gunman in Saturday's fatal shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs, Colo. (Jack Dempsey/AP)

Jack Dempsey / Jack Dempsey

When Army veteran Rich Fierro realized a gunman was spraying bullets inside the club where he had gathered with friends and family, instincts from his military training immediately kicked in.

First he ducked to avoid any potential incoming fire, then moved to try to disarm the shooter.

“It’s the reflex. Go! Go to the fire. Stop the action. Stop the activity. Don’t let no one get hurt. I tried to bring everybody back,” he said Monday outside his home.