Parents Tackle Elderly Gunman as He Allegedly Opens Fire at Texas High School Band Event

Mar. 15, 2025

Pasadena Memorial High School (left); Dennis Erwin Brandl Jr. mugshot.Photo:Google Maps; Pasadena Police Department

Google Maps; Pasadena Police Department

An 83-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of injuring a man when he allegedly opened fire during a high school band competition on Saturday, Feb.1.

According to a release from thePasadena Police Department, suspect Dennis Erwin Brandl Jr. allegedly entered Pasadena Memorial High School in Pasadena, Texas, around 6:00 p.m. local time through the south side doors and within two minutes discharged a “small caliber weapon.”

Dennis Erwin Brandl Jr. mugshot.Pasadena Police Department

Pasadena Police Department

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He explained that another man had already started to tackle the man when he and the three other dads intervened.

Pasadena Memorial High School.Google Maps

Google Maps

The man who initiated the takedown was an educator but wished to remain anonymous, according to ABC affiliateKTRK.

Pasadena Police Department and Pasadena ISD Police will be working together on investigating the incident.

At the time of writing, Brandl Jr. has been given no bond and is awaiting transfer to the Harris County Jail, per the police.

The Harris County District Attorney’s Office has accepted charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

A spokesperson for Pasadena Memorial High School told PEOPLE in a statement, “Pasadena ISD crisis counselors will be at Pasadena Memorial on Monday for students and staff. As well as at other campuses for students and staff that may have been impacted. Additional security will be provided all next week as we work to continue to keep our campuses safe.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all involved,” the statement continued. “I am so proud of our staff members, police from our district and city, and community members who made sure there was no further harm that could have taken place.”

source: people.com