A 24-year-old man is being praised for his extraordinary bravery after intervening in a violent brawl at the Alaska State Fair and successfully disarming a suspect armed with a pistol.
According to the Daily Mail, Jaden Perry of Eagle River quickly intervened in a Labor Day melee involving several young men, seizing a loaded handgun from one participant and preventing what could have become a mass shooting at the crowded fairgrounds in Anchorage.
The incident unfolded on Labor Day at the annual Alaska State Fair, where thousands of families gathered for festivities. Perry, who was at the event to assist a friend with booth cleanup, witnessed an escalating dispute near him. As around eight men became entangled in a physical fight, chaos erupted among packed crowds.
Amid the scuffle, one individual pulled out a Glock pistol outfitted with an extended magazine. Reacting immediately, Perry engaged the gunman and managed to keep the weapon pointed toward the ground while wrestling to gain control. Despite the gunman maintaining some grip, Perry successfully removed the magazine and cleared the chamber during the struggle, defusing the immediate threat.
Perry’s actions were captured in a bystander’s video that later gained widespread attention on TikTok. The footage showed the moment he disabled the firearm even as the gunman remained physically involved in the altercation. A second similar pistol was discovered once the area had been secured.
Eyewitness Describes Frightening Moment of Action
After the fight subsided, Perry gave multiple interviews recounting the experience. “The first thought that went through my head is there are kids everywhere,” he told KTUU. His primary concern during the incident was the safety of children and families who had come to the fair for a day of enjoyment. Although he has no military or law enforcement training, Perry credited his instinct and a sense of responsibility for guiding his brave actions. “I didn’t think much during it,” he added, “but afterwards I’m glad I did. I would do it again every time.” He went on to emphasize that nobody should have to worry about losing loved ones in a public place like the fair.
Despite his calm reaction under pressure, Perry expressed concern about the security response. According to him, Alaska State Troopers were present at the fair but did not intervene when fairgoers informed them about the unfolding fight. “They said that security was handling it,” he told reporters, commenting on the lack of immediate support from law enforcement.
Troopers Say They Were Unaware During Fight
In response, officials from the Alaska State Troopers said their recruitment booth was located far from where the altercation took place. They stated they were not made aware of the presence of a firearm until after the scene had already been stabilized. Anchorage police responded to the reports within minutes of being contacted. Perry stated that although some security staff did try to address the situation, they were clearly unprepared for the threat. “Security staff aren’t prepared for something like this,” he said. Officials later confirmed that CMS security personnel also responded during the incident and helped with de-escalation alongside Perry’s intervention.
Officials from the Alaska State Fair later released a statement recognizing Perry’s quick thinking and bravery. Melissa Keefe, the fair’s director of marketing and communications, said the organization “commends the civilian for his actions” and described his efforts as "heroic.” Keefe also praised the CMS staff who helped control the surrounding chaos at the same time.
Social Media Praise Builds After Footage Surfaces
The TikTok video showing Perry calmly unloading the firearm quickly attracted thousands of views and comments. Social media users widely praised his courage, describing his effort as lifesaving and remarkable. Many viewers noted how his actions likely prevented a tragedy in a densely populated area at the fair.
As part of his reflections in the aftermath, Perry shared his concerns about safety in public spaces. “People need to be aware that things go wrong at any minute,” he said. “We’re in an age where this is common. And it saddens me.” His remarks echoed the sentiments of many, highlighting the unfortunate normalcy of such threats in public settings. An investigation is currently underway to determine what led to the original dispute.
The motivation for the fight remains unclear, and authorities are working through video evidence and eyewitness accounts as they piece together the full narrative. No names of the suspects involved have been released so far.
Community Reaction Supports Further Recognition
Calls for formally recognizing Perry’s actions have surfaced online, with some suggesting he receive a civilian honor or commendation. While no formal award has been announced, it is clear that his actions left a deep impression on both bystanders and officials who reviewed the situation. Perry remains focused on the lives he may have saved rather than any accolades. “Last thing anybody needs to do is bury their child,” he said, “take their kid to the hospital, or even a parent – they were everywhere.” His words underscored the gravity of what might have happened without immediate intervention.
Authorities continue to encourage anyone with information or additional footage to come forward as part of the investigation. Updates are expected to follow in the coming days as more details come to light about the brawl and the firearm involved in the incident. For now, officials are crediting Perry and security personnel for averting a crisis.
