Let Srinivas Kuchibhotla's wife know we cared for him, says witness

HYDERABAD: At 9.43pm on February 22, Mark Hinojosa could not resist posting a pic on his FB. "Crazy night here! At Austin's when shots rang out," he said. The pic was of the road in front of Austin's Bar and Grill, Olathe, Kansas, US. But what happened inside was an act nothing short of bravery. Linda Allen Kreifels' comment says it all. "Great job Mark! You were at the right place at the right time."

As Srinivas collapsed on being shot at by gunman Adam Purinton, 57-year-old Mark Hinojosa who was sitting in Austin's with his family rushed towards where he heard the gunshots from. Here's an interview on FB with the ex-military medic and now pastor, who recounts what happened that night at Austin's:

How did you react at Austin's when you heard the gun shots?
I thought the shooter was right up ahead of us and I just ran that direction. I intended to stop, subdue him if possible.I found Srinivas lying face up. That is where I stayed.

Would it not have put you in danger?
I felt no fear because God was with me. When the shots rang out I knew I had to do something.

How did you attend to Srinivas?
There were three of us that were by his side. Vince and Skip and myself. We worked together to try to stabilise him until the paramedics were able to enter the building. As a pastor, my most important role was praying for God's peace to surround us and I wanted Srinivas to know that we cared and were there for him. As we tried to help him I felt a sense of who he was. I said to myself this is a good man. I am so grateful for the other two men who worked alongside me.

What else did you do to keep him alive?
I never had met him until that night but consider him my friend and my brother. We kept talking to him but he could not.Vince performed CPR twice. Skip held a dressing over the wound. I helped turn him on his side several times as I think hoping to help his breathing. I just prayed for God's presence to envelop and comfort him.

What did you feel Srinivas was communicating to you?
Two things came to mind as I looked down on him. I believe it was disbelief. I was just filled with a sense of the goodness of this man. Let me say that Austin's is a family place. There were many children there at the time. When we come in either on Mondays or Wednesdays, they always welcome us and treat us like family . I'm sure Srinivas felt that too.

You are being appreciated for your act of kindness...
I'm not a hero. I am a man who cares about people and follows Jesus. Please send my love to his wife if you can. Let her know we cared for him. Tell her he wasn't alone and that I was praying without ceasing during that whole time.

What would you say to Indians rattled at the killing?
At last night's vigil, pastor ned by saying to all people, opened by saying to all people, "You are welcome here".