Hollywood star Glen Powell of Hidden Figures fame spoke out this weekend to mourn the death of a Texas police officer who was killed in a shooting. The officer had been a friend of the 31 year-old actor since they were children.
Fox News reported that Powell revealed on Instagram on Friday that Officer Justin Putnam was killed while responding to a domestic violence call in Texas. The post included photos of Powell and Putnam together as well as a procession of police cars that appear to be honoring the fallen cop.
“A week ago my friend, Officer Justin Putnam, was shot and killed while responding to a domestic violence call in San Marcos, Texas,” Powell began in the caption. “He’d been one of my closest friends since I was eleven years old.”
Putnam was killed and two other officers were injured ion the incident that ended with the gunman killing himself.
“This past week I’ve been reflecting on our friendship, living in memories, watching old videos, and trying to sum up someone who marched alongside me in so many different chapters of my life and whose approach to life really helped define my own. Justin was a spark of joy,” Powell continued. “He was goofy, enthusiastic, fearless, and loyal. Justin loved everyone and everyone loved him; he had an ability to make everyone feel like his best friend.”
Powell went on to describe Putnam as “great officer” who had a “twinkle of mischief in his eyes.”
“He would do just about anything for a good story or to make people laugh,” remembered the actor. “I always found it truly hilarious that the guy who convinced me to break more laws as a teenager became a police officer. But it made sense because he was always a protector, of his family, his friends, and to anyone who needed help.”
Powell said that being a cop gave Putnam “happiness everyday because he could come to the rescue of someone in need.”
“These are uncertain times that highlight the things we can take for granted. But more importantly the people we can take for granted,” Powell wrote. “Tomorrow isn’t promised, but today please thank the men and women putting themselves in harm’s way to ensure our safety.”
The Hollywood star concluded, “I’ll miss you, JPut. See you on the other side.”
Please join us in saying a prayer for Officer Putnam’s friends and family. Find out more about this tragic story in the video below.
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