In Phoenix, Arizona, a 44-year-old Caucasian male named Brian Christopher Harris tragically lost his life on Sunday, June 5, 2016. He was working as a security guard at a Motel 6, a job he was passionate about and through which he had developed a close working relationship with the Phoenix Police Department. Harris was known for his giving nature and his dedication to helping others, often going above and beyond his duties to ensure the safety of those at the motel.
The events that led
to his death unfolded when a gunman, identified as 28-year-old Daterryn McBride, opened fire in the lobby of the motel. McBride, who had a prior criminal record, shot three men in the lobby, including Harris and another guest, 44-year-old Robert Sykes, who also died from his injuries. A third victim, a 25-year-old motel clerk, was critically injured in the lobby shooting. The motive for McBride's violent rampage remains unknown.
Even in his final moments, Brian Harris demonstrated remarkable heroism. After being fatally wounded, he managed to call 911 to help others. Following the initial shooting, McBride continued his crime spree, shooting and wounding two more people outside the motel before committing multiple carjackings as he attempted to flee from the police. His flight from law enforcement ended when he crashed a stolen vehicle and, when confronted by officers, took his own life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
