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Crisis Averted at WikiConference: Man Threatens Suicide

10/18/2025

Summary

Story summary

A crisis at WikiConference North America in New York City occurred when a 27-year-old man from Ohio threatened suicide with a loaded gun, protesting Wikipedia's policy on pedophiles.
Attendees, including Richard Knipel, Wikipedia contributor, and Andrew Lih, Wikipedia editor, intervened and subdued the man before police arrived.
The conference paused and planned to resume the next day under security.
The motive remains under investigation with no charges filed.

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Story summary

A crisis at WikiConference North America in New York City occurred when a 27-year-old man from Ohio threatened suicide with a loaded gun, protesting Wikipedia's policy on pedophiles.
Attendees, including Richard Knipel, Wikipedia contributor, and Andrew Lih, Wikipedia editor, intervened and subdued the man before police arrived.
The conference paused and planned to resume the next day under security.
The motive remains under investigation with no charges filed.