PA Rep. Marty Flynn Exchanges Gunfire with Robbers

A Pennsylvania State Representative used his concealed carry firearm to defend himself against two would-be robbers in Harrisburg.

According to a Capitolwire.com report cited by PennLive, Reps. Marty Flynn, D-Scranton, and Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, were approached at around 11 p.m. near the near the 200 block of Herr Street by two men wearing bandanas. The suspects held the lawmakers at gunpoint while a third man watched from a nearby vehicle.

Flynn — described by Capitolwire.com as a former Lackawanna County prison guard and MMA fighter — happened to be armed and exchanged gunfire on the would-be robbers. Nobody was injured, police said.

While police are still investigating and haven’t released details, House Democratic Caucus spokesman Bill Patton confirmed to Capitolwire.com that the two State Representatives were attacked. He also noted that Flynn has a concealed carry permit.

Patton added that police arrested three suspects in connection with the incident on Wednesday morning.

As PennLive notes, the Capitolwire.com reports says that Flynn and Bizzarro attended a colleague’s fundraiser, walked two female representatives back to the Capitol, and were on their way back to midtown when they were approached by the would-be robbers.

Patton told Capitolwire.com that Flynn called 911, informed a police officer he had fired his weapon, and handed it over to the officer.

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

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