The holidays have became a lot merrier for the families of those taken hostage in a standoff in Wytheville, Virginia on yesterday. Late last night, the gunman, identified as Warren “Gator” Taylor, 53, of Sullivan County, Tennessee, surrendered. All three hostages walked out of the post office – thankfully, no one was injured.
There were allegations from Gator that he had guns and explosives. There were weapons found at the scene, though, according to local reports, there is no confirmation that there were actually explosives.
Police say gunman’s only demand during the standoff was pizza. The pizza, delivered by Pizza Hut (imagine getting that call), arrived late.
Officials have no motive in the hostage situation. Initial reports indicate that Gator did not appear angry but did complain from time to time during the stand-off about the government and taxes.
Really? He held three people at gunpoint for nine hours to complain about taxes? Apparently he felt that the best way to get people to listen to you complain about taxes is to take them hostage. As an attorney, I’ll go on record as saying that I don’t recommend it… Get yourself a blog instead.