Intern turned hero, Daniel Hernandez Jr., will appear on the Northern Illinois University campus to speak as part of the LGBT Resource Center’s LGBTQ History Month and the Latino Resource Center’s Latino Heritage Month. The event will take place at 7 p.m. Monday in the NIU Holmes Student Center’s Carl Sandburg Auditorium.

Hernandez became a local hero when on Jan. 8, 2011, a gunman opened fire on Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and the crowd she was speaking to. Hernandez, only being an intern for Giffords for a few days, rushed toward the gunfire. He was able to keep Giffords alive in time for paramedics to arrive on the scene. His quick actions saved Giffords’ life which has allowed her to continue on her road to recovery.

In this lecture, he will share his personal story of growing up Latino and gay, and how those experiences prepared him for life-saving action. The event is free and open to the public.