‘This Can’t Be Real’

 
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Jeff Merkel
I was cutting through the Law School Building to get to my 3:30 "Democracy in Developing Nations" class. I had to get there early to pick up some notes from a professor for an independent study class.

As soon as I stepped outside there was a crowd of students running from Cole [Hall]. I took my iPod out and heard them scream, "Shooter, shooter, shooter!" 

I said OK and turned around and went inside the law building went into the first classroom, right inside the door and said, "I'm sorry to interrupt, and I don't know whether this is real or not, but I am hearing a lot of people saying, 'Shooter.' Turn off your lights and get into the corner." I told them, "I have to work for the paper and I have to go."

I left the building and took off. My wife said that I called her. I don't remember calling her but I told her, "There's been a shooting, I'm OK, but I'm going to cover it."

I started running into other student journalists. I started talking to police because I feel I am better suited to talk to police because I have worked with a lot of guys who have become police so I feel cocky.

I saw police tending to a guy with a head wound and I started looking around, talking to anybody that I could. As I was talking to one of the guys inside the hall, I was walking him over to the police officers and [told them], "This guy was trampled on the way out, but it doesn't look like [he's] hurt beyond a lump in my head," but he was in shock.

 
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Member Comments
  • Posted By: Collie1228 @ 02/22/2008 8:02:39 AM

    Comment: American heroes seem to show up when you need them. We should all be proud of Jeff, as he represents thousands of former servicement around us who help when needed. I'm personally proud of you Jeff and hope you recover well from this horrific event.

  • Posted By: fmfdoc30 @ 02/22/2008 6:56:57 AM

    Comment: Jeff,
    Another 2/8 Corpsman makes a national magazine. Awesome job man. I haven't seen you in a few years but if you get the chance drop me a line. fmfdoc30@yahoo.com
    Marc Fernandes

  • Posted By: fmfdoc30 @ 02/22/2008 6:55:34 AM

    Comment: Jeff!
    Good Job Man. I haven't seen you since we got back from Afghanistan. I almost fell out of my chair when I saw your picture online. Drop me a line if you read this. fmfdoc30@yahoo.com

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