HEROICS

UCLA Victim’s Colleague Potentially Saved Lives

Professor acted quickly to secure floor.

Shortly after Mainak Sarkar shot and killed UCLA professor William S. Klug, the victim's colleague Christopher Lynch sprung into action, potentially saving lives. According to a Los Angeles Times account of the deadly Wednesday incident, after Lynch and another co-worker heard gunshots, the professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering went to Klug's office door and held it shut. Shortly thereafter, he heard another gunshot—presumed to be the one with which Sarkar took his own life. Lynch's colleagues told the Times they credit him with saving their lives on that floor of the engineering building. “If [Sarkar] had come out with a loaded gun, I don't think I’d be alive,” professor Ajit Mal said. “Chris Lynch’s presence of mind and quick action saved us.”