Campus officer who confronted gunman at Dollar General doesn't consider himself a hero.

Lt. Antonio Bailey, a campus officer at Edward Waters University, is being hailed as a hero for preventing what could have been a racially motivated tragedy at the HBCU. On August 26, students alerted Bailey to a man wearing a bulletproof vest, gloves, and a mask in the faculty and staff parking lot.

Recognizing something was wrong, Bailey approached the suspect, who was later identified as Ryan Palmeter. When Palmeter saw Bailey, he sped off, leaving the campus “at a high rate of speed.” Bailey immediately alerted a Jacksonville sheriff and gave Palmeter’s license plate. Although he followed protocol, Bailey wished he could’ve done more.

Unfortunately, Bailey learned of the tragedy at the Dollar General store shortly after. Palmeter had killed three innocent Black people and left behind letters to his parents, the media, and federal agents describing his “disgusting ideology of hate.” Jacksonville Sheriff T. K. Waters said the shooting was racially motivated and Palmeter hated Black people.

Edward Waters President A. Zachery Faison Jr. said the students are having a hard time dealing with the events. The school is providing counseling to those in need. Lt. Antonio Bailey’s quick response undoubtedly saved the lives of the 1,200 students on campus that day. He may not consider himself a hero, but he is certainly a brave and courageous man.

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