A gunman jumped onstage at a Wikipedia conference in Manhattan Friday morning but was busted before he had a chance to open fire, police said.
The 27-year-old suspect, believed to be from out of state, was taken by police to the 9th Precinct stationhouse for questioning after security personnel at the conference — at Civic Hall on E. 14th St. in Union Square — grabbed him, police said.
Witnesses called 911 and said the man, armed with a revolver, aimed the gun at his head and was threatening to kill himself, though police said he was pointing the gun in the air before being taken into custody.
Police sources said he was carrying a flag that read, in all caps, ANTi-CONTACT NON-OFFENDING PEDOPHILE, an apparent reference to those who have a sexual interest in children but have not accessed child porn and had sexual contact with children.
Sources said the suspect has appeared in public previously with the same sign, though it did not appear he had done so in New York City.
Originally Published: October 17, 2025 at 1:05 PM EDT