Austin Police Sergeant Adam Johnson is back in the spotlight for his bravery in ending a violent shooting rampage in Downtown Austin in 2014.
On Friday, Sen. John Cornyn presented Sergeant Johnson with the Department of Justice’s Congressional Badge of Bravery at 10 a.m. at the Austin Police Department headquarters.
On the day after Thanksgiving in 2014, a man fired hundreds of rounds at multiple government buildings in Downtown Austin, including at the police department’s headquarters.
Johnson responded to gunshots coming from Larry McQuilliams. When Johnson arrived, the shooter started firing in the direction of Johnson. Johnson dismounted from his horse and fired a single shot from over 100 yards away, killing McQuilliams.
"Pistol in one hand, horses in the other, I mean, that’s pretty incredible,” said Steve Adler, Austin Mayor.
No one was injured, during the 10-minute shootout, because of the officer's brave actions.
Two years after the life altering moment, Sergeant Johnson talked about what has changed for him and his family.
"We've grown more together, makes you appreciate life, you know, knowing how precious life is,” he said.
While Johnson said he feels honored to receive the reward, he remains modest about his brave actions.
"My story is not, I know it’s been the focal point of this incident, but I personally feel it pales in comparison to what some other people did that night,” he said.
Sergeant Johnson has been with the Austin Police Department for more than 17 years.
Every year, this award that Johnson received honors "exceptional acts of bravery in the line of duty by federal, state, and local law enforcement officers."