It was supposed to be just another afternoon at KNBC’s Los Angeles studio in 1987. The cameras rolled, and David Horowitz—the consumer rights reporter trusted by countless viewers for exposing scams and rip-offs—was live on air. 

Viewers tuned in expecting another routine and informative segment about protecting themselves from everyday fraud. Instead, they witnessed something few people could ever unsee, let alone forget. A man quietly walked onto the set holding what looked like a gun. What followed would become one of the most shocking and haunting moments in live television history. 

The Calm Before The Chaos

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By the late 1980s, David Horowitz was a household name across Southern California. Known for his steady demeanor and deep commitment to consumer advocacy, he hosted a popular KNBC segment called Fight Back!, where he tested products and helped viewers avoid being scammed. His trustworthy presence made him a favorite among viewers who felt he truly looked out for them.

On August 19, 1987, Horowitz was in the middle of a live segment. Everything about the scene was routine until a man none of them expected to see appeared just off camera. His name was Gary Stollman, the son of Max Stollman, a pharmacist who regularly appeared on KNBC’s health beat. 

Gary exploited his father’s name to get a visitor pass and entered NBC’s Burbank studios as a guest of a former employee. Disheveled and visibly nervous, he walked onto the set carrying what looked unmistakably like a revolver and pointed it directly at Horowitz’s back.

Live Television Turns Deadly Serious

Gary Stollman wasn’t there to rob anyone or to hurt Horowitz. In his mind, he was there to deliver a message. Stollman believed he had uncovered a vast conspiracy involving aliens and government impostors posing as humans. He wanted to use this particular live broadcast to expose what he saw as the truth.

Stollman demanded that Horowitz read a statement he had brought with him. Instead of resisting or escalating, Horowitz did exactly what he was told. With his signature calmness, he began reading aloud from the paper in front of him. “I have been forced to read this under threat,” he told the camera, before continuing with the bizarre message about aliens and conspiracies. 

In the control room, panic broke out. While security and police rushed to the studio, Horowitz continued to keep Stollman calm. He asked him simple questions and didn’t make any sudden movements. When officers finally arrived, they discovered that the gun Stollman had been waving was a toy replica all along. 

Aftermath 

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Gary Stollman was immediately taken into custody and later admitted that he had never intended to harm Horowitz. Inside KNBC, the event became a wake-up call. Studio security protocols were overhauled. Access to the newsroom was restricted more tightly, and all visitors were screened more carefully. 

David Horowitz returned to work shortly after the ordeal. When asked why, he simply said that he didn’t want fear to win.