Lawmakers in Shootout at State Capitol

By Alison Smith:

Two state lawmakers were involved in a shootout late Tuesday night near the state Capitol in Harrisburg, and four teens have been arrested in connection with the shooting.

Rep. Marty Flynn (D-113th) and Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (D-3rd) were walking home around 11 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, when they were approached by a man with a gun who demanded their wallets. A second man was also present.

“Neither lawmaker handed over anything,” Rep. Flynn’s office said. “Flynn drew a handgun that he is licensed to carry and exchanged shots with the first male at which time both attackers and victims ran in different directions.”

Flynn is a former Lackawanna County Prison guard. He had a .38 Smith & Wesson on his back in a holster, The Philadelphia Inquirer said. Flynn told reporters that the assailant fired first.

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

Flynn and Bizzarro, who share a residence on Second Street in Harrisburg, walked back to their residence and called 911, they said. Flynn turned his gun over to police.

“We were extremely impressed by the professional manner in which the Harrisburg police officers responded to our call,” Bizzarro said. “We are very grateful.”

Four teens have been arrested in connection with the shooting, the Inquirer said: Jamani Ellison, 17; Jyair Leonard, 15; Derek Anderson, 17; and Zha-quan McGhee, 15, whom police identified as the shooter.

McGhee is charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault and carrying a firearm without a license; the others face charges of conspiracy and robbery, the Inquirer said. All will be tried as adults.

(photo: Rep. Marty Flynn (left) and Rep. Ryan Bizzarro)