Texas Gov. Greg Abbott awarded the state's highest honor to the armed parishioner who shot and killed a man who opened fire on his church last month.

"When events arise, you're going to do one of two things. You're either going to step up and do what's right or walk away. And I'm not one to walk away," Jack Wilson said after accepting the Governor's Medal of Courage on Monday.

.⁦@GovAbbott⁩ presenting the Governor’s Medal of Courage to the White Settlement hero Jack Wilson. pic.twitter.com/Cbj3kVE5RG — John Wittman (@john_jwitt) January 13, 2020

A total of three people died during the Dec. 29 shooting in Tarrant County where police say the attacker pulled out a shotgun during communion and began shooting parishioners. Wilson, who was armed with a handgun, opened fire on the shooter, killing him. The case has been a focus point for gun rights activists in recent weeks who argue a "good guy with a gun" present during a shooting can save lives.

The medal, the highest honor for a civilian, is given to individuals who display "great acts of heroism by risking their own safety to save another's life." Abbott announced his intention to bestow the honor upon Wilson last week.

"This man confronted an evil killer in a Texas church," Abbott said about the incident. "He could have been killed in a split second. Instead he saved the lives of hundreds. Putting your life on the line for others is the ultimate valor. Texas is grateful for his herorism."