MOSES LAKE, Wash. — Detective Edgar Salazar of the Moses Lake Police Department was honored as a 2026 Hometown Hero by the United States Attorney’s Office for his bravery during a deadly shooting at the Gorge Amphitheater in 2023. Salazar fired the shot that stopped an active shooter who had opened fire on a campground, killing two people and injuring three others.
Salazar was one of five undercover officers who were at the Gorge Amphitheater that day and first responded to the scene. While the gunman was actively shooting, Salazar made the decision to return fire, ultimately ending the threat.
“It’s one thing to read about it, but to live it, to feel it, to have the adrenaline going through your body. It’s not a decision that a lot of people or a lot of officers make it easily. That day, all of us just looked at each other and went. There was no question,” Salazar said.
Moses Lake Police Chief Dave Sands praised the detective’s professionalism. “I can’t say enough how proud we are of Edgar and the officers that responded, that they were displaying that professionalism and that dedication service in what was a truly horrific event,” Chief Sands said.
Despite the celebration, Salazar described the feeling as bittersweet. He began his speech with a moment of silence for the two people who died that day.
“I’m pretty sure all of us will think to ourselves and wish we could have been a little faster,” Salazar said.
Salazar also recognized the other officers, his department, and his family, emphasizing that they deserve the award just as much as he does.
COPYRIGHT 2026 BY KXLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
