I told her in that moment that a screen grab of that moment when he stopped at the top of the stairs, deployed what appeared to be a pretty feeble weapon* and squared himself to face whoever was coming - that that image would become iconic.
I couldn't believe that one man could have the stones to hold off a rabid mob by himself! When I later heard the back story - that he was basically performing a rear guard action to protect "his charges" - I was even more impressed. It didn't change what he did, but the context blew up to *enormous.*
He deserves whatever accolade that they can give him. And one thing that hasn't been mentioned, to my knowledge: look what an example he set for the rest of the CP and law enforcement in general. They will all be extremely hard-pressed to rise to that occasion, and hopefully it's unlikely they will ever have to, but I would now expect them to try.
My only regret is that it happened during a time of so much turmoil and strife that it will be overcome by events, so to speak. He should be a legend.
* I know it's a potentially crippling weapon, but I've only ever seen them in close quarters combat. One good rap on the side of a knee and the fight is probably over, but in that moment, it looked more like a conductor's baton than a serious weapon.
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