American Hero Richard Jewell Dies

Photo: Olympic Park Hero Richard Jewell

Richard Jewell was a security guard who risked his own life to save others during the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. For his professionalism, and bravery he roused suspicion instead of praise. He became the victim of the FBI, and a media frenzy which labeled him as a terrorist instead of as the hero he was.

CNN reported today,

"Jewell was working as a private security guard in Centennial Olympic Park about 1 a.m. on July 27 when he noticed a suspicious unidentified package and began moving people away from it. The package turned out to contain a bomb, which eventually killed one person and wounded more than 100.

Initially hailed a hero for moving people away, he was later cast in a different light when the FBI began investigating whether he had set off the bomb to give himself an opportunity to be a hero.

For weeks, reporters and camera crews camped outside Jewell's Atlanta apartment, capturing every move that he -- and the FBI -- made.

He later sued the FBI and several media organizations. CNN and NBC were among the organizations that settled with him".

Photo: Jewell's Mother

He died at the early age of forty four.
I can't help but guess that somehow he died sooner than he would have if he had not experienced the anguish of being falsely accused of being a terrorist.

This post is dedicated in your memory Mr. Jewell. A lot of people say negative things about "Rent-A-Cops", but you showed just how professional private security guards can be. Rest In Peace Mr. Jewell. I'm sure you have touched the lives of thousands by your act of courage.

PBS Story Link