Wikipedia Volunteers Avert Tragedy by Taking Down Gunman at Conference
Summary
At a Wikipedia conference in Manhattan, an armed man walked onto the stage during a keynote by Maryana Iskander and threatened to kill himself. Two volunteer Wikipedians — Richard Knipel (a Wikimedian-in-residence) and Andrew Lih — intervened within seconds, wrestled the loaded firearm away and restrained the man until law enforcement arrived. The gunman reportedly said he was protesting Wikipedia’s child-protection policy that bans self-identified pedophiles; he was taken into custody and the immediate danger was stopped. Key reporting came from NBC News and follow-ups noted the swift action of the community’s trust-and-safety volunteers.
Key Points
- An armed man stormed the stage during a Wikipedia conference keynote in Manhattan and threatened self-harm.
- Two volunteer editors, part of the conference’s trust and safety group, tackled and disarmed him within seconds.
- The firearm was loaded; the rapid intervention likely prevented deaths or serious injury.
- The suspect said he was protesting Wikipedia’s policy banning self-identified pedophiles; he was taken into custody for investigation.
- The incident highlights on-the-ground risks at public events, the role of volunteer organisers, and links between online policy disputes and real-world behaviour.
Context and relevance
This story matters because it shows how online communities can spill into physical spaces with dangerous consequences. The volunteers who stepped up were not law enforcement but community members with roles in trust and safety — that underlines both the bravery of individuals and gaps in event security. It also touches on broader debates around moderation policies, mental health and public-safety planning for conferences.
Author’s take
Punchy and to the point: this is a stark example of how internet disputes can escalate into real-world threats. The volunteers acted fast and saved lives — their actions deserve attention. Read the full reports if you care about event safety, moderation policy fallout, or how volunteer-run communities handle crises.
Why should I read this?
Because it’s wild, true, and shows two ordinary Wikipedia volunteers turning into instant heroes. If you run or attend meet-ups, care about online-moderation impacts, or just want to hear how a dangerous situation was stopped before it could get much worse — this is worth the quick read.