Rep. Johnson presents proclamation honoring school hero Antoinette Tuff

LITHONIA, GA – On Sunday, Congressman Hank Johnson presented DeKalb County resident Antoinette Tuff with a Congressional proclamation at her church – The Way, The Truth and Life Christian Center on Miller Road in Decatur.

“It is truly remarkable that the cool, calm and fast-thinking Ms. Tuff may very well have saved our community and the nation from yet another unspeakable national tragedy involving innocent children.

“For your poise and composure beyond the call of duty, I say thank you to Antoinette – DeKalb County thanks you, Georgia thanks you and a grateful nation thanks you,” said Rep. Johnson.

On August 20, Ms. Tuff helped diffuse an incredibly dangerous situation that could have become the nation’s next unspeakable tragedy.

In the face of great danger and risk of life to hundreds of school children, faculty and staff at McNair Discovery Learning Center in DeKalb County, Georgia, Ms. Tuff calmed a troubled man who invaded the school carrying an AK-47 rifle and 500 rounds of ammunition.

Ms. Tuff, the mother of a disabled son, connected with the troubled gunman on a human level. She kept him talking, made him feel like he was not totally alone and that his life was not hopeless. In the end after a harrowing encounter where he threatened her with a gun, she calmly engaged him and he finally surrendered without anyone getting hurt.

Rep. Johnson also honored Apostle Ulysses Tuff and Pastor Deborah W. Tuff with a proclamation in recognition of The Way, The Truth and Life Christian Center’s 31st anniversary.

To read the proclamation, click HERE.

###