James Young Red McDaniel, 53, of Daingerfield, Texas, was killed on June 22, 1980, during a mass shooting at the First Baptist Church of Daingerfield. A railroad shop foreman at the Texas & Northern Railroad and a member of the congregation, McDaniel confronted the gunman and was shot multiple times during the struggle.

The shooter, identified as Alvin King III, entered the church armed and opened fire, killing five people and wounding ten others. Another congregant, Kenneth Truitt, also attempted to subdue the attacker and was fatally wounded. The assailant later left the scene, shot himself in the head that day, survived that wound, and subsequently killed himself while awaiting trial.

McDaniel is commemorated with a monument outside the church for his actions that day. If anyone knew Red McDaniel or was at the church that morning and can add details about his life or the congregation’s response, please share what is known.