A hero Alaskan man prevented a Labor Day tragedy when he wrestled a loaded gun from an attacker who threatened to use it at a crowded fairground.
Jaden Perry, 24, was at the Alaska State Fair in Anchorage to assist a friend with dismantling a booth when a fight erupted involving about eight young men.
The fight escalated when one of the men pulled out an extended magazine Glock in the middle of the fair, Perry told the Daily Mail.
He didn’t hesitate, going for the gun and tackling one of the men while making sure the weapon remained pointed at the ground.
Perry’s swift response was caught on video, showing him unloading the magazine and clearing the chamber while the assailant still held the firearm.
After the man was restrained, a second Glock, also with an extended magazine, was found.
Perry said the gunman told him he was going to shoot in self-defense, despite the fair being crowded that day.
Surprisingly, Perry reported that although Alaska State Troopers were present at the fair, they ignored pleas for assistance from people running towards them when the altercation started.
Perry sprang to action, disarming the gunman safely while fair staff surrounded the scene
Jaden Perry was at the Alaska state fair in Anchorage, helping a friend break down a booth, when a fight erupted
‘They (State Troopers) said that security was handling it,’ Perry said.
He added that even though State Troopers wouldn’t respond, the Alaska Police Department was there within minutes.
An Alaska State Troopers spokesperson informed the Daily Mail that the booth was situated far from the scene and that they were unaware of a firearm being involved until after the incident had concluded.
The State Troopers at the fair were working a recruitment booth at the time of the incident.
The State Troopers were at the fair
Perry further explained how security handled the situation: ‘Security staff aren’t prepared for something like this.’
He also reflected on what was he was thinking when he first saw the gun.
‘The first thought that went through my head is there are kids everywhere,’ said the Alaskan to news outlet KTUU.
He reflected: ‘I didn’t think much at the time, but I’m grateful I acted the way I did. If needed, I’d do it again without hesitation. No one should have to face the tragedy of hospitalizing or burying a child, and there were families everywhere.’
Perry received resounding praise for his heroic actions, which potentially saved lives.
Melissa Keefe, the director of marketing and communications for the Alaska State Fair, remarked to the outlet: ‘The Alaska State Fair applauds the civilian for his efforts in helping CMS to safely disarm the individual involved.’
‘His actions were heroic. In addition, the actions of several unarmed CMS staff who took action to de-escalate the physical altercations taking place simultaneously during the incident should also be commended.’
Perry sprang to action, disarming the gunman safely while fair staff surrounded the scene
It is unclear how many people were involved or what prompted the altercation
While Perry has no military experience, his impressive ability to de-escalate the situation was highlighted by those commenting on the video posted to TikTok
The Alaskan received resounding praise for his heroic actions, which potentially saved lives.
Shockingly, Perry claimed that while Alaska State Troopers were at the fair, they did not respond to citizens running towards them asking for help when the brawl broke out
Perry said the gunman told him he was going to shoot in self-defense, despite the fair being crowded that day
He didn’t hesitate, going for the gun and tackling one of the men while making sure the weapon remained pointed at the ground
Perry can be seen unloading the clip and emptying the chamber while the offender still has hold of the gun
Speaking about the harsh reality of gun violence, Perry also told KTUU: ‘People need to be aware things go wrong at any minute, no matter where you are.
‘We’re in an age where this is common. And it saddens me, it does, no matter what kind of gun control or gun laws are put out there, this will happen.’
While Perry has no military experience, his impressive ability to de-escalate the situation was highlighted by those commenting on the video posted to TikTok.
It is unclear how many people were involved or what prompted the altercation.
The investigation is still ongoing.
