Pulse Hero Who Saved 70 to Be Honored by LGBT Military Group

Imran Yousuf helped usher dozens of Pulse patrons to safety during the nation's worst mass shooting, and now the American Military Partner Association will honor his heroism.

Neal Broverman

Neal Broverman is the Editorial Director, Print of Pride Media, publishers of The Advocate, Out, Out Traveler, and Plus, spending more than 20 years in journalism. He indulges his interest in transportation and urban planning with regular contributions to Los Angeles magazine, and his work has also appeared in the Los Angeles Times and USA Today. He lives in the City of Angels with his husband, children, and their chiweenie.

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Neal Broverman

August 31 2016 9:32 AM EST

August 31 2016 12:22 PM EST

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Marine Corps veteran Imran Yousuf is credited with saving more than 70 people during the June mass shooting at Orlando gay nightclub Pulse. He will recognized for his actions at a San Diego gala in September for the American Military Partner Association.

Yousuf was working as a bouncer at the club during the early hours of June 12; that was when Omar Mateen stormed into Pulse and began shooting. Yousuf quickly noticed a group of trapped patrons, rushed over to them, broke open a door, and allowed dozens to escape. Officials believe that without Yousuf's actions, the casualties of that morning -- 49 murdered, 53 wounded -- would be much higher.

The American Military Partner Assocation -- known as the largest organization advocating for LGBT military families -- will honor Yousuf during its September 17 West Coast gala. Yousuf served as an engineer in the Marines from 2010 to 2016 and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2011.

"Imran represents the best of America and the best of America's military community, as evidenced by his quick and heroic actions amid the chaos and carnage of the tragedy in Orlando," AMPA president Ashley Broadway-Mack said in a statement. "While he humbly may not consider himself a hero, his courageous actions in the face of mortal danger that saved the lives of more than 70 of our LGBT brothers and sisters say otherwise. He is certainly a hero to our community and to all of America, and we are proud to honor Imran with our 2016 Community Hero Award at the inaugural AMPA West Coast Gala in San Diego."