Murphy Discusses His Role In Gun Violence Debate

Oak Creek Police Lt. Brian Murphy was nervous about how he would be portrayed during President Barack Obama's State of the Union address, but he said in an interview with WISN it turned out to be "what I had hoped for."

Murphy appeared Sunday morning on UpFront with Mike Gousha, just days after he sat in the First Lady's box during the State of the Union and was singled out by Obama for his bravery responding to the Sikh temple shooting.

Murphy told Gousha many people said he would be used as a "pawn" as Obama pushes a comprehensive package of gun reform proposals. But he wasn't as convinced, and in fact, gets upset at the suggestion.

"People who have portrayed me as a pawn miss the point," Murphy said.

"When the President of the United States, the highest office in this land, requests your company ... you're obligated and you're honored to go. And you should go."

Click here to see the entire interview, courtesy of Patch's new media partners at WISN.

The Aug. 5 shooting at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin and other mass shootings have taken center stage in the nationwide debate over how to combat gun violence.

In his speech Tuesday, Obama said government leaders "should follow the example of a police officer named Brian Murphy. When a gunman opened fire on a Sikh temple in Wisconsin, Brian was the first to arrive and he did not consider his own safety. He fought back until help arrived and ordered his fellow officers to protect the safety of the fellow Americans worshiping inside, even as he lay bleeding from 12 bullet wounds.

"And when asked how he did that, Brian said, 'That's just the way we're made.'"