Even some Democrats understand the need for a gun for self defense

Armed Robbery Suspect Targets a Democratic Lawmaker — Take a Guess How That Situation Ended

Pennsylvania state Rep. Marty Flynn (D-Luzerne) was reportedly walking home with fellow Democratic Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie) on Tuesday night when they were confronted by an armed robbery suspect.

The would-be crooks stopped them at around 11 p.m. “pointed a gun first at Flynn and then at Bizzarro and demanded their wallets,” according to a statement released Wednesday. A second suspect was seen giving instructions to the gunman from across the street.

But Flynn left the criminals stunned after he pulled out his own concealed handgun and opened fire. The Democrat reportedly continued to trade shots with the suspect, though no one was hit during the shootout.

This undated photo provided by the Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus shows Pennsylvania Rep. Marty Flynn, D-Lackawanna County. Harrisburg, Pa. police said Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014, that Flynn and another lawmaker were walking to their residence after a late dinner late Tuesday when two men demanded their wallets. Police say one of the two would-be robbers was armed, and that shots were exchanged. A spokesman for House Democrats says Flynn drew his pistol and exchanged shots with the robber. Flynn is a former Lackawanna County prison guard who is licensed to carry a handgun. (AP Photo/Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus )

Flynn, who is licensed to carry a concealed firearm, is reportedly a former Lackawanna County Prison guard and a mixed martial-arts fighter, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Both lawmakers were able to flee and dial 911 and police were able to arrest both suspects just a few blocks away as well as two more teenage accomplices. Suspects Jamani Ellison, 17; Jyair Leonard, 15; Derek Anderson, 17; and Zha-quan McGhee, 15. Though the gunman wasn’t immediately identified, they face charges of attempted homicide, conspiracy, robbery, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, and carrying a firearm without a license.

“We are used to fighting for the people in our districts every day… We certainly are going to stand up for ourselves and not become victims,” Flynn said in a statement.

Bizzarro said he was “extremely impressed by the professional manner in which the Harrisburg police officers responded to our call.”