Intruder with a gun puts KNBC off Air - KNBC TV (Channel 4 Los Angeles) 08/20/1987

Summary

A man named Gary Stollman, son of a former KNBC employee, interrupted a live news broadcast at the station, forcing reporter David Horowitz to read a statement at gunpoint. The bizarre incident, which involved a toy gun and claims of CIA involvement and mental manipulation, ended without harm when Stollman surrendered to police. The event shocked viewers and led to increased security measures at the station.

Takeaways

• 📺 A man named Gary Stallman interrupted a live news broadcast on KMBC, forcing reporter David Horowitz to read a statement at gunpoint.
• 🔍 The incident was initially confusing and frightening for the staff, who were unsure of the man's intentions and the authenticity of the weapon.
• 👮‍♂️ Police arrived quickly on the scene and Stallman surrendered without incident, putting down what turned out to be a toy gun.
• 🏥 It was revealed that Stallman had a history of mental health issues, with his father confirming that his son had been hospitalized multiple times.
• 📜 Stallman's statement involved conspiracy theories about the CIA and space creatures, hinting at a possible delusion or mental distress.
• 👨‍👦 Stallman's father, Max Tolman, used to work at the station and Gary had been previously allowed to watch broadcasts from the studio.
• 👀 The control booth reacted by going to black and killing the mics to prevent the message from being broadcast further.
• 🚨 The incident led to heightened security measures at the station, with stricter entry requirements and no temporary passes being accepted.
• 📞 The police received numerous calls from viewers who were watching the incident unfold on live television and reported it to 911.
• 🗣️ David Horowitz maintained his composure throughout the ordeal, drawing on his experience covering hostage situations and war.
• 🔄 The newscast resumed after the incident with a report on the event, providing details and context to the viewers who had witnessed the unusual interruption.

Q & A

What incident occurred on the set of KNBC's evening newscast?

A man named Gary Stollman walked onto the set with a fake gun and ordered consumer reporter David Horowitz to read a statement on live television.

How did the control room respond to Stollman's intrusion?

The control room immediately cut to black, killed the studio mics, and put up a standby slide.

What was the content of the statement Stollman wanted David Horowitz to read?

The statement was a bizarre tale involving space creatures and the CIA, as well as personal grievances about being forced into a mental hospital and concerns about his brother-in-law.

What actions did Stollman take after handing the statement to Horowitz?

Stollman put the fake gun down and was led away by the police when they arrived.

What was the reaction of the KNBC staff and viewers during the incident?

Staff and viewers were terrified, especially because no one realized initially that Stollman's gun was a toy. The control booth quickly decided to cut to black and kill the mics.

What is known about Gary Stollman's background?

Gary Stollman is the son of Max Stollman, a former member of the Channel 4 News team. He has a history of mental problems and had been hospitalized multiple times.

How did David Horowitz handle the situation during the live broadcast?

David Horowitz maintained his composure, continued reading the statement as instructed, and reflected on his experience later, mentioning his fear and attempts to stay calm.

What measures did KNBC take following the incident?

KNBC tightened security, ensuring no one could enter the studios without a permanent pass, and ceased accepting visitor passes.

What were the consequences for Gary Stollman after the incident?

Gary Stollman remained in police custody and faced potential charges pending a psychiatric evaluation.

What was the reaction of viewers and the public to the incident?

Viewers were shocked and many called 9-1-1 to report what they were witnessing on television. The incident prompted concerns about security at the station.