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Hometown Hero Award for Gorge Amphitheatre Shooting Response
13 Jul
Summary
- Detective Edgar Salazar received the 2026 Hometown Hero award.
- He stopped a gunman at the Gorge Amphitheatre in 2023.
- Salazar acted without protective gear or communication tools.
Detective Edgar Salazar of the Moses Lake Police Department was recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice as the Eastern District of Washington's 2026 Hometown Hero. The award acknowledges his exceptional bravery during a deadly shooting at the Gorge Amphitheatre on June 17, 2023.
During the incident at the Beyond Wonderland festival, Salazar, working undercover, moved towards an active shooter. He fired a shot from approximately 65 yards, successfully neutralizing the threat. This action is credited with saving numerous lives.
Salazar, an 11-year veteran, emphasized that the recognition was shared with the fellow officers who responded alongside him. He also paid tribute to the two women, Brandy Escamilla and Josilyn Ruiz, who were killed during the attack.
