UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 1675
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A RESOLUTION honoring Evan "Jayson" Smith, for courageously halting an 1
active shooter. 2
WHEREAS, on October 1, 2023, Evan "Jayson" Smith was working as a security 3
guard for a popular bar in downtown Lexington when he heroically disarmed a gunman 4
that was trying to enter the bar after a fight broke out; and 5
WHEREAS, both police and the bar owner say it is clear that Evan "Jayson" 6
Smith's actions that night saved many lives; and 7
WHEREAS, during the incident, Evan "Jayson" Smith was shot, and suffered a 8
fractured right shoulder blade and vertebrae, which caused temporary paralysis from the 9
neck down; and 10
WHEREAS, following his injury, Evan "Jayson" Smith spent eight days at the 11
University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital's trauma center and almost a month in the 12
Spinal Cord Unit at Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital; and 13
WHEREAS, Evan "Jayson" Smith currently receives outpatient occupational and 14
physical therapy at Cardinal Hill and has home health care to support his continued 15
recovery; and 16
WHEREAS, Evan "Jayson" Smith has shown tremendous progress since the 17
incident. His paralysis is actively resolving and he is regaining use of his limbs. He can 18
stand for a few minutes at a time, and is beginning to walk; and 19
WHEREAS, despite his injury, Evan "Jayson" Smith is committed to the work he is 20
putting forth towards full recovery, which is expected to take up to two years; and 21
WHEREAS, his family, the Lexington Police Department, and the bystanders and 22
victims of the shooting are extremely proud and thankful for Evan "Jayson" Smith's 23
heroic actions; 24
NOW, THEREFORE, 25
Be it resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of 26
Kentucky: 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 1675
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Section 1. The members of the Senate join Senator Reginald Thomas in 1
honoring Evan "Jayson" Smith for his heroic actions in stopping an active shooter 2
situation at his workplace and heralding him for not hesitating to put himself in harm's 3
way to protect others. 4
Section 2. The members of the Senate wish Evan " Jayson" Smith well as he 5
continues to recover from his injuries. 6
Section 3. The Clerk of the Senate is directed to transmit a copy of this 7
Resolution to Senator Reginald Thomas for presentation to Evan "Jayson" Smith. 8