Former Navy SEAL turned motivational speaker Jason Redman is urging the public to help an Army veteran and police officer who was left permanently paralyzed from the waist down after he was shot in the back in Chicago on July 9.
In a post on Linkedin earlier this month, Redman shared a link to a fundraiser for Danny Golden, who was off-duty enjoying time with friends and family when a fight broke out. Golden “did what all good cops would do” and tried to break up the fight, the fundraiser said, but one of the offenders “ran to his car, pulled a gun out, and fired 20 rounds,” striking Golden in the back.
“Shot in the back by cowards! Please help an Army veteran & Police Officer shot in the back in a drive by. Hey everyone, please help a family friend, US Army veteran and current Chicago police officer shot in the back last Friday night after breaking up a fight while off duty,” Redman said on Linkedin.
“The cowards went to their car after the fight and drove by the bar and shot 20 rounds grazing one person and hitting Danny Golden in the lower spine leaving him paralyzed from the chest down,” Redmann continued. “Danny is going to need some help so go to the link below and support a hero!! Appreciate the help!”
As of Thursday afternoon, the fundraiser has reached more than $1.3 million.
According to the fundraiser, Golden’s younger brother was also struck in the leg during the shooting.
“This devastating, life-altering event has forever changed the course of his life. All those who have known Dan are grieving after such a senseless, tragic event. We are asking the community to support Dan and his fiancé Casey to help with all the financial demands they will face in the coming years,” the fundraiser continued.
“Let them know help is on the way and donate to his cause. You can imagine the construction issues, medical bills, transportation, and all other related expenses headed his way. Real help is on the way. Show Dan and Casey just what we mean. This family helped many of us; now, we step up and show the love we have for him. #FIGHTLIKEAGOLDEN #SOUTHSIDESTRONG,” it concluded.
An update posted on July 21 included a photo of Golden, and said, “Danny is demonstrating what courage looks like with each smile he offers to all who enter his room. He asks how you are doing- in spite of his injuries. What a spirit. He’s strong and learning how to adapt to his new reality and progressing well in therapy. Mayor Daley and Danny’s team stopped by. #fightlikeagolden.”
