Sometimes, all we need during our worst moments is a simple yet loving embrace from a caring person. That said, a resurfaced video from 2019 has resurfaced on Reddit regarding Keanon Lowe, an Oregon football coach who stopped a school shooting with a firm yet affectionate hug. The shooter in question, 19-year-old Angel Granados-Diaz, entered a classroom wielding a shotgun, sending other classmates into a panic. Lowe was standing near the door and immediately seized the gun, wrestling it away. Another teacher came to help, carrying the shotgun away as other students fled.
“Then it was just me and that student. It was a real emotional time,” Lowe said per KATU. “A lot of times, especially when you’re young, you don’t realize what you’re doing until it’s over.” He said he felt compassion for the shooter and kept hugging him, letting the student know he was there for him. The coach knew that his presence there at that moment was not coincidental, “I was meant to be in that classroom. I was meant to stop a tragedy.” The police eventually arrived, and the two walked out for Granados-Diaz to be arrested.
Although this Oregon high school event has happened around five years ago, Redditors still show overwhelming praise and respect for the football coach. “Closing that distance was pure, pure nightmare fuel for anybody in education. That guy is [the] definition [of a] hero,” remarks a commenter. “Bravery and compassion right there. True heroism. That kid needed that embrace,” adds another. Other users agreed that plenty of teachers and coaches who love their students are unsung heroes. “Teachers need to be paid better. Treated better,” says a user.
Hundreds more went on to point out how important genuinely caring physical touch, aka a hug, can be for someone going through mental turmoil. “Hugs are good,” one says, to which another responds, “Hugs matter.” A third chimes in, saying, “This is what bearing arms should mean. Wrapping them around a fellow being. That’s the real point of them imo.” A fourth quips, “Make America hug again.“
Whether half a decade or longer, selfless teachers and coaches like Keanon Lowe should be recognized and honored for changing lives — or, in this case, saving them. With so much drama and madness going on in America today due to the poor quality of the political climate, a light should be shined on true heroes, not wannabes.
