Overview
- During the opening ceremony at Civic Hall in Manhattan, a man carrying a gun got onstage, threatened to kill himself, and pointed the weapon upward, police and organizers said.
- Volunteers including Wikipedia contributors Richard Knipel and Andrew Lih tackled and disarmed him before NYPD officers arrived, according to witness accounts.
- Police recovered the firearm, reported no shots or injuries, took the man into custody, and transported him to a hospital for evaluation.
- Authorities say the man’s statements referenced Wikipedia’s policy on editors who identify as pedophiles, and the motive remains under investigation.
- Officials have not publicly released the suspect’s identity or announced charges, Friday’s sessions were canceled, and events resumed Saturday with added security; a senior law-enforcement official said the gun was loaded.