Recently a man armed with an AR-15 rifle entered a substance abuse clinic in Buffalo New York for reasons unknown. After the man fired a round into the wall, the unarmed security guard was having none of it and fights the gunman, subduing him until police arrived.
Unarmed Security Guard Fights Off and Subdues Gunman
To say it all happened quickly would be an understatement. In the video, security guard Reynaldo Beckford stands talking with two employees behind the reception desk. With Beckford facing the door a gunman enters wielding an AR-15 saying something before firing a round into the wall. He then appears to start making demands of Becker.
When the gun goes off Becker is seen turning towards the inner door, which appears to be locked. So, he turns to the reception desk and signals for the employees to leave the area. Although he is unarmed, Beckford rushes the gunman and grabs for the rifle. The two then wrestle for control of the AR with the suspect apparently trying to reason with Beckford.
Fortunately for Beckford, another security guard and two civilians joined the fracas. Reports indicate that the suspect kept his finger on the trigger during the altercation and fired two more shots. Fortunately, there were no injuries.
According to WIVB 4, “A security guard at the Alba de Vida substance abuse treatment facility tackled the shooter and was able to apprehend him with the help of a second guard until police arrived. Two additional bullets were allegedly fired from Griffin’s gun during this altercation. Security guards were able to push Griffin outside when two bystanders also intervened to restrain Griffin.”
According to reports the staff at the Alba De Vida clinic knows the subject. But there are no further details.
Following the encounter details emerged that the violence began at a home on Pennsylvania Street where the suspect shot a woman in the leg before walking to the clinic. Reports expect the woman to be ok.
The Aftermath
Following his apprehension, the suspect is facing charges of attempted murder and possession of a loaded firearm. In addition, he faces reckless endangerment, possession of an “assault rifle,” and possession of an extended magazine.
Beckford told WKBW News, “I would be lying if I say to you I wasn’t scared for my life and the first thing that flashed over my brain was my baby who just turned three years old.”
Although he does not want to label himself a hero, I’m sure the clinic’s employees and their families do.
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