Kenneth Dorushka, a retiree who traded New Jersey weather for the desert climate, moved to Tucson eight years ago with his wife of 41 years.
The 63-year-old was having his morning coffee when he heard about Giffordsβ visit and suggested they head over to meet her since they had already planned to make a trip to their neighborhood grocery store.
The couple was halfway through the line to meet Giffords when DorushkaΒ saw a man pull out a gun, his wife Carol said. Clear-headed as always, Dorushka threw his wife down to the ground.Β
Carol attempted to get up and run, but Dorushka held her down, shielding her head with his arm β the same arm that was struck by gunfire.
βThat wouldβve been my bullet,β Carol recalled.
Dorushka was treated and released from the hospital on Saturday, the day of the shooting.
