A startling incident unfolded live on KNBC’s 4:00 p.m. newscast on 19 August 1987, turning what should have been a routine broadcast into a terrifying standoff. Consumer reporter David Horowitz, who sadly passed away in 2019, was the unwitting focus of a dramatic interruption when a man entered the studio displaying what appeared to be a firearm.
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Horowitz was discussing mail order shopping during the segment, when 34-year-old Gary Stollman positioned himself behind the reporter, brandishing a gun. In a shocking turn of events, Stollman handed Horowitz a lengthy statement and insisted he read it aloud to viewers. Stollman, the son of former KNBC pharmaceutical reporter Max Stollman, believed that the message contained within would somehow ‘save the human race.’
In a video shared on her father’s YouTube channel in 2025, Horowitz’s daughter Amanda recounted the harrowing details of that afternoon. She revealed that her father was threatened directly by Stollman, who said, “If you don’t read this, I’ll shoot you.” As tension mounted, Horowitz began to read the statement, which extended for eight pages.
The situation intensified as Stollman was unaware that the broadcast had transitioned to black screens after approximately 28 seconds of his appearance. While viewers saw only a void before a television logo interrupted the unusual live feed, Horowitz maintained an outward calm, continuing to read while grappling with the uncertainty of his circumstances.
Parts of Stollman’s statement included chilling accounts of his own experiences, detailing a perceived conspiracy involving the CIA and a mental hospital. He shared that he had received ominous warnings about computers, which he attributed to his subsequent struggles. With Stollman poised behind him, Horowitz relied on the man’s assistance to navigate the sometimes incoherent text he was instructed to read. The statement concluded with a rather alarming note, “Thank you, David. I couldn’t have harmed anyone with this unloaded BB gun,” once again highlighting the severity of the situation.
Authorities quickly moved into action, apprehending Stollman shortly after the broadcast ended. The weapon he wielded turned out to be a BB gun, but its realistic appearance had caused a genuine fear for Horowitz’s safety and those in the studio at the time. Following his arrest, Stollman faced serious charges including felony false imprisonment and commercial burglary, with a potential three-year prison sentence on the table.
However, the court took into consideration Stollman’s mental health issues when he was ultimately placed on three years’ probation, contingent on ongoing psychiatric treatment. David Horowitz, prominent in the push for leniency, later expressed empathy for Stollman and his family.
In the aftermath of the incident, Max Stollman released a statement acknowledging his son’s troubled mental state. He expressed gratitude that the outcome had not resulted in tragedy, noting, “I do have a sick son. He’s been hospitalised a number of times. I’m thankful he wasn’t killed.” Gary Stollman had reportedly gained access into the studio after asking anchor Kirstie Wilde for permission to observe a live broadcast. Wilde had relayed his request to the station manager, highlighting an unexpected lapse in security that would prompt conversations about studio protocols.
Later that day, David Horowitz addressed the media at a press conference, recounting his thoughts during the terrifying encounter. “The guy came up and put a gun in my back. My first reaction was ‘I can’t believe this is happening,’” he said. Horowitz explained that he was acutely aware of the potential for disaster, concerned about police intervention which could have escalated the situation further.
In the years that followed, the shocking incident had a profound impact on Horowitz and his advocacy work. His daughter shared how the trauma led him to spearhead a campaign addressing the dangers posed by lookalike toy guns. “My dad’s brand was called ‘Fight Back!’ after this incident,” she stated, revealing that he had worked towards legislation aimed at increasing the regulation of toy firearms to prevent further misunderstandings that could lead to violence.
Horowitz’s efforts brought change at both state and federal levels, culminating in requirements for toy guns to feature distinct markings to distinguish them from genuine firearms. Today, the colourful designs of toy guns can be traced back to the push for safety that Horowitz and others championed, ensuring that the events of that August day would not be in vain.