When seconds count, a good guy with a gun makes all the difference.
Last Tuesday morning, a teenager armed with a rifle stormed into Signature Aviation at Texarkana Regional Airport, demanding an airplane.
But instead of a high-flying escape, he was met with something he clearly didn’t expect—a local pilot who was ready to defend himself and others.
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Quick-Thinking Pilot Ends the Threat
According to reports, after employees managed to evade the armed suspect and call police, the teenager forced his way onto the airfield. That’s when an armed pilot spotted him, drew his own firearm, and ordered the suspect to drop his weapon and surrender.
The would-be hijacker—faced with a clear no-win situation—complied and was taken into custody moments later by Texarkana Police.
No shots fired. No innocent lives lost. Just a quick, decisive end to a dangerous situation—all thanks to an armed citizen who took action.
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Texarkana Airport Responds
While airport officials say their security measures worked, they’re now looking into ways to tighten up general aviation security.
“We do also secure the general aviation side, but it isn’t necessarily as stringent,” one official told KTAL News.
That’s bureaucratic speak for: this could’ve been a lot worse, and we got lucky a good guy was there.
The Suspect & The Aftermath
Authorities haven’t released the suspect’s name due to his age, and they still don’t know why he wanted a plane. What is clear is that he’s now facing charges of assault, attempted robbery, and terroristic threatening—serious crimes with serious consequences.
As for the armed pilot who stepped up and stopped this from turning into a tragedy?
He’s chosen to remain anonymous. But he deserves recognition for proving once again that when law-abiding citizens are armed, lives are saved.
The Bottom Line
This incident is yet another reminder that firearms in the hands of responsible citizens stop crime. The anti-gun crowd will never admit it, but this situation could have ended far worse if no one had the means to stop an armed suspect.
Texarkana’s armed pilot did what needed to be done. And because of that, everyone made it home safely.
Situations like this are why we fight for the Second Amendment.
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is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the kind of guy who’d rather track whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s got a sharp eye for spotting both solid gear and bad gun laws. Whether he’s deep in the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to firearms, hunting, and the great American tradition of self-reliance. If there’s a hot debate on gun rights or the latest in hunting tech, you can bet Larry’s got an opinion—and it’s probably backed up with both facts and field experience.
Experience:
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– Concealed Carry Permit Holder (NYS & AZ) – Trained and licensed to carry in multiple states.
– 2A Journalist – Covering firearms legislation, Second Amendment issues, and gun rights for over a decade.
– Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Certified to provide emergency medical care in the field.
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FAFO!
I’ve worked in the aviation industry for over 40 years. One area at most airports with the most lackadaisical attitude towards access to the SIDA/AOA is in the general aviation areas. The reason is there just are not enough people hanging around to keep an eye on the AOA access doors, etc.
I don’t know, I just think that if all free men carried firearms at all times, most everyone would be more courteous to each other.
i’m sure the left will turn this upside down.