A female civilian police officer is being hailed as a hero in the aftermath of a gunman's rampage at Fort Hood — an outbreak of violence that the officer is credited with ending by shooting the alleged gunman four times despite being shot herself.
The attack killed 13 people and wounded 38 others at the Texas military post, but the carnage ended there, thanks to the quick response of Fort Hood Police Sgt. Kimberly Munley.
Munley and her partner responded within three minutes of reports of gunfire on Thursday, Lt. Gen. Bob Cone said Friday. Authorities say Munley, 34, exchanged fire with the gunman, Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, who remains comatose in a Texas hospital. Munley is in stable condition, officials said.
"It was an amazing and an aggressive performance by this police officer," Cone said.
SLIDESHOW: Deadly Fort Hood Rampage
Munley's Twitter page has been deluged by well-wishers since the tragic shooting.
"You are a true heroine and we are deeply grateful for your courage," one posting read. "Best Wishes for a full and quick recovery."
Another posting read, "Stand tall girl! I'm here to tell you your sisters in policing are very proud of the courage you displayed yesterday. You ARE what being 'on the job' is all about. Your bravery in the line of fire will be long remembered."
Attempts to reach Munley's relatives were unsuccessful Friday.
According to her Twitter account, Munley lives a "good life."
".... a hard one, but I go to sleep peacefully @ night knowing that I may have made a difference in someone's life," her page reads.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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