Wikipedia:Thank you to Fuzheado and Pharos

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On October 17, 2025, Maryana Iskander's opening keynote at WikiConference North America (WCNA) was interrupted when a man entered the hall, walked onto the stage, pointed a loaded gun to his head, and announced that he was going to kill himself to protest Wikipedia's policy to block and ban self-identified pedophiles. Rather than running away from the clearly unstable man with a gun, editors Fuzheado (talk · contribs) and Pharos (talk · contribs) rushed to tackle him, removed the weapon from his possession, and ensured that he was restrained until the authorities arrived to arrest the suspect.

There is no telling what would have happened without their timely action; there is zero doubt they saved at least one life with their heroic actions. They have each received dozens of barnstars, including physical barnstars awarded at the WCNA closing ceremony, but that is quite frankly insufficient for the bravery exhibited by both. Not that this open letter is sufficient, but as a small token of appreciation, it certainly can't hurt. We cannot say it emphatically enough: thank you.

Signed

[edit]
  1. HouseBlaster (talk • he/they) 02:28, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  2. Daniel Case (talk) 02:37, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  3. Bearian (talk) 02:38, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  4. TechnoSquirrel69 (sigh) 02:38, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  5. -Ad Orientem (talk) 02:39, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  6. – robertsky (talk) 02:39, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  7. Well deserved Doc James (talk · contribs · email) 02:43, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  8. Soni (talk) 02:49, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  9. Although brief, those of us downstairs and not at the keynote speech treated the situation initially as an active shooter response. Thank you for preventing that from going any further beyond evacuating the building and calling emergency services. You are some of the very best of our community. Sennecaster (Chat) 03:02, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  10. Both of these editors have been Wikipedians for over 20 years, both highly active in our community throughout that whole period, and their actions a few days ago genuinely saved lives. This is the least we could do. Kurtis (talk) 03:06, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  11. -- Sohom (talk) 03:10, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  12. These two heroes deserve nothing less than our undying gratitude! - ZLEA TǀC 03:25, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  13. Rehman 03:28, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  14. GoldRomean (talk) 03:30, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  15. Thank you for writing us into a better history. Dlyubchik (talk) 03:31, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  16. ClaudineChionh (she/her · talk · email · global) 03:32, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  17. Dracophyllum 03:38, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  18. ☆ Bri (talk) 03:41, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  19. Thank you for your bravery. Buster Seven Talk (UTC) 03:56, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  20. A huge thank you for stepping up and keeping all of us safe. We truly are stronger together as a community thanks to individuals like you. Complex/Rational 04:05, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  21. Ed [talk] [OMT] 04:16, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  22. Staraction (talk | contribs) 04:27, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  23. The4lines |||| (talk) 04:56, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  24. JuxtaposedJacob (talk) | :) | he/him | 05:03, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  25. Thank you for literally protecting the community. A tip of the hat and a hearty hug to you both! isaacl (talk) 05:28, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  26. Thank you for your heroic, and thankfully, successful, actions. Donner60 (talk) 05:36, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  27. Whoever saves a life, it is considered as if he saved an entire world. ~ Jenson (SilverLocust 💬) 06:41, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  28. Suntooooth, it/he (talk | contribs) 07:08, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  29. Immeasurable merits ~ Sheminghui.WU (talk) 07:44, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  30. To the heroes. Cheers! –Novem Linguae (talk) 09:05, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  31. ScottishFinnishRadish (talk) 09:14, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  32. — Newslinger talk 09:15, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  33. ―Howard • 🌽33 09:51, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  34. Juwan (talk) 10:05, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  35. Smallbones(smalltalk) 10:52, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  36. Would have signed this sooner if I was awake. This is the least we can do to thank them. QuicoleJR (talk) 11:23, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  37. ThadeusOfNazereth(he/him)Talk to Me! 12:06, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  38. You are modern-day heroes. 123957a (talk) 12:15, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  39. UndercoverClassicist T·C 12:25, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  40. -MPGuy2824 (talk) 12:37, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  41. - Author Frederick Buechner said that "the world needs people who save lives", and I think both of you certainly proved that. EF5 13:01, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  42. ---Another Believer (Talk) 13:03, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  43. LR.127 (talk) 13:03, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  44. Johnbod (talk) 14:12, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  45. --Deinocheirus (talk) 14:31, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  46. "A brave heart and a courteous tongue", represents the best of our movement. —Fortuna, imperatrix
  47. IcebergSings (talk) 14:44, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  48. mahir256 (talk) 14:56, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  49. In an era where open knowledge is under greater threat than ever before, you showed immense courage in standing up to one such threat that showed up right in front of our faces at our conference. Your quick response to the incident saved the lives of those in attendance, and illustrated the strength and resilience of our community. When people like you are with us, our community is in good hands. DraconicDark (talk) 15:25, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  50. All of us who were in the room where it happened are especially grateful. Montanabw(talk) 15:29, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  51. Thank you for your active intervention which buys us time to evacuate the attendees. OhanaUnitedTalk page 15:43, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  52. You already set a good example for us Wikimedians before this weekend. Now you've given us even more to look up to. Thank you for your courage! – Minh Nguyễn 💬 15:47, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  53. For those of us who were in the room, we owe you so much, and we cannot express our gratitude sufficiently. Many of us have been fortunate to call the two of you a wiki friend, and now we can call you each a wiki hero. From a witness in the third row, thank you so much for your actions. Imzadi 1979 → 16:20, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  54. Thank you for courage when it matters. And for calm and grace afterwards. We look up to you. Ijon (talk) 16:25, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  55. Chew(V • T • E) 16:37, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  56. thank you! --アンタナナ 16:40, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  57. Thank you for your bravery and selflessness --Alequihdez 16:43, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  58. Pasan las horas y sigo pensando lo increíble que fue verlos lanzarse encima de esa persona desquiciada. Mi reconocimiento y aprecio de corazón, --Oscar_. (talk) 17:00, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  59. Thank you to you both. BaduFerreira (talk) 17:03, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  60. Just heard about this. You guys are amazing! Clayoquot (talk | contribs) 17:07, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  61. Skynxnex (talk) 17:19, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  62. Thank you both for being true heros! I'm so happy we were still able to have a great conference instead of a disaster. Cocoaguy (talk) 17:29, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  63. Both were the right people at the right time. As someone who was in the room when it happened, thank you. I'm sure my mother and sisters would also thank you if they were also editors here. Abzeronow (talk) 17:39, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  64. You saved many lives. | mrqwerty567 (contribs) | Talk | Thorn & Shavian lover | 17:58, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  65. 🙏 BanjoZebra (talk) 18:07, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  66. Despite not being there, I wanted to thank you. Y'all are heros. TheClocksAlwaysTurn (The Clockworks) (contribs) 18:39, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  67. Barkeep49 (talk) 19:12, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  68. asilvering (talk) 19:23, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  69. Congrats on having the courage to not be a bystander! You made this community look good. NickCT (talk) 19:37, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  70. wbm1058 (talk) 19:43, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  71. I know neither of you particularly enjoy the attention that we're showering on you, but you should know that I appreciate your courage and commitment and selflessness very much. Best, KevinL (aka L235 · t · c) 19:52, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  72. jp×g🗯️ 19:56, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  73. ZhaoFJx(Talk) 19:57, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  74. A hero--no, two heroes live here within this project's community. We thank them both for what they did. ミラP@Miraclepine 20:47, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  75. A.FLOCK (talk)
  76. Rosiestep (talk) 21:18, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  77. --Ferien (talk) 21:26, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  78. When you join a Trust and Safety team at a conference, you definitely don't expect this to happen — and nevertheless you had the best possible reaction and really deserve the community appreciation — NickK (talk) 22:27, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  79. —Compassionate727 (T·C) 23:36, 21 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  80. Definition of a hero. ✠ SunDawn ✠ Contact me! 01:23, 22 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  81. This is truly what physical courage looks like. Salute! Plasticwonder (talk) 01:27, 22 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  82. MarioJump83 (talk) 01:42, 22 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  83. dbeef [talk] 02:19, 22 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  84. Brave acts in strange times. Apocheir (talk) 02:49, 22 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  85. We all owe a giant debt of gratitude to you guys. Thank you again. ECTran71 (talk) 03:23, 22 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  86. Ethmostigmus 🌿 (talk | contribs) 04:05, 22 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  87. Thank you both very much for keeping us safe. Generalissima (talk) (it/she) 04:18, 22 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  88. I admire your courage. Choess (talk) 06:13, 22 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  89. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Perfect4th (talk) 06:31, 22 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  90. Thank you to you both. – DreamRimmer ■ 07:04, 22 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  91. I was frozen with incredulity, though not awake enough at the time to be scared. I already admired these two friends for their routine activities, and was a bit ashamed to be unable to help when great danger suddenly appeared. Jim.henderson (talk) 14:09, 22 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  92. Nosferattus (talk) 14:13, 22 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  93. I didn't see this as work prevented me from attending WCNA 2025 that day, but I'd like to thank Richard and Andrew for their bravery. This is totally on character for them, and it is appreciated. – Epicgenius (talk) 14:32, 22 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  94. Warm Regards, Miminity (Talk?) (me contribs) 14:55, 22 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  95. I was in the third row, right up front. Before I could even process what was going on, the two gents were already in action. Simply amazing. Nataev talk 14:58, 22 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  96. I feel an irrational degree of guilt that I was next door, finishing up my presentation slides at the time of the incident. That building was evacuated just in time to see the person being escorted out, amid confused and/or shaken attendees. As I pieced together what happened, I thought "what a coincidence that the two people who intervened are two of the people who have been part of this community for the longest".
    But it's not a coincidence; it's leadership.
    Pharos and Fuzheado have indeed been around for a long time -- a combined 43 years (!) -- but they've been active organizers and leaders within this community for nearly as long. The people who spring into action in such cases aren't the no-nonsense tough-guys from the movies; they're the movement leaders who feel a loyalty and a responsibility to the community they've helped to create and bring together.
    I jokingly suggested that we'll have to create a new Wikimedian of the Year category for these two -- joking because obviously we don't want a category that suggests this will be the kind of incident that happens again. But maybe we do need a category for leadership. Frankly, at the risk of a tangent, I don't think this movement does enough to cultivate and train leaders. While there's something to be said for the contradiction between the way Wikipedia's articles are written and celebrating individual leaders, the reality is that our community is full of both leaders and potential leaders. Not just in meatspace -- the admins willing to make and discuss tough calls, the arbcom volunteers, the wikiproject organizers, the FAC coaches...
    I'll save that for another venue, though. Sorry to add a big block of text to a list of signatures. For now, I'll just say: I appreciate you guys. — Rhododendrites talk \\ 15:49, 22 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  97. Enjoyed every bit of WCNA2025 other than the first day of the conference. I was sitting in the second row and the person was very near to me. Thank you Fuzheado and Pharos for saving our lives., Geetasree Gogoi Apte (Talk?) 13:11:39, 22 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  98. Разгребатель (talk) 17:06, 22 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  99. – SD0001 (talk) 18:37, 22 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  100. Comecoquito (talk) 20:26, 22 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  101. You guys are truly legends Luiysia (talk) 20:30, 22 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  102. Thank you for taking action in an unexpected and stressful moment; protecting my wife and everyone in attendance. Ckoerner (talk) 20:34, 22 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  103. 🫡 bstadt (talk) 20:46, 22 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  104. You guys are wonderful! Wow. econterms (talk) 22:51, 22 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  105. Pawnkingthree (talk) 22:55, 22 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  106. The Bushranger One ping only 23:17, 22 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  107. JJPMaster (she/they) 00:08, 23 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  108. Vanamonde93 (talk) 02:14, 23 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  109. Krinkle (talk) 02:47, 23 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  110. You both acted to prevent a tragedy before I had even processed what was happening. Thank you so much. TheCatalyst31 Reaction•Creation 02:58, 23 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  111. From a person who has volunteered on code of conduct response committees and safety teams for other spaces and events: thank you for volunteering for the conference Trust and Safety Committee, and for taking immediate and effective action to minimize harm - even if it wasn't quite what you had signed up for - and at risk to your own safety. I signed up for a local Stop the Bleed training in your honor. Dreamyshade (talk) 03:35, 23 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  112. I feel like I should write something here beyond a sign, but this is so beyond words that I can’t really come up with anything. Thank you. —PixDeVl (T | C | G) 04:03, 23 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  113. Toadspike [Talk] 06:55, 23 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  114. Polygnotus (talk) 07:49, 23 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  115. Graham87 (talk) 13:02, 23 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  116. sapphaline (talk) 14:00, 23 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  117. Nemoralis (talk) 14:13, 23 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  118. * Pppery * it has begun... 16:07, 23 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  119. qcne (talk) 17:03, 23 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  120. With so much gratitude and admiration. ELappen (WMF) (talk) 17:52, 23 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  121. Tvpuppy (talk) 20:12, 23 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  122. Thank you for risking your lives to serve someone else. ~Rafael (He, him) • talk • guestbook • projects 20:47, 23 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  123. Thank you for your bravery and your de-escalation of a terrible situation. At least one life was saved, and possibly more. Tremendous! Mr Serjeant Buzfuz (talk) 21:09, 23 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  124. Rusalkii (talk) 21:21, 23 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  125. At a time when there is so much in the world to feel badly about, this is something to stand up and cheer. --Tryptofish (talk) 21:59, 23 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  126. TChin (WMF) (talk) 00:05, 24 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  127. Ca talk to me! 03:48, 24 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  128. Srishti (talk) 04:33, 24 October 2025 (UTC).[reply]
  129. Sdkb talk 06:12, 24 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  130. The Knowledge Pirate (talk) 13:25, 24 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  131. BTracy (talk) 14:04, 24 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  132. Wow! You are amazing! --not-cheesewhisk3rs ≽^•⩊•^≼ ∫ (pester) 18:48, 24 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  133. Thank you for your courage, quick action, bravery and leadership. The two of you are true heroes! Bagelpigeon (talk) 19:45, 24 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  134. Thank you, with all the gratitude and respect in the world. EBlackorby-WMF (talk) 19:46, 24 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  135. SPerry-WMF (talk) 02:23, 25 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  136. Chorchapu (talk | edits) 03:11, 25 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  137. Choucas0 🐦‍⬛⋅💬⋅📋 13:24, 25 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  138. People like you two are more than good enough reasons to keep living and fight for positivity, even in times like today and places like here. The amount of bravery done is innumerable. Thank you. Carlinal (talk) 14:58, 26 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  139. I was not present at the conference, but thank you so much for your act of courage in protecting the safety of us Wikipedians. ~delta (talk • cont) 03:52, 27 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  140. Musashi1600 (talk) 09:28, 27 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  141. HCoplin-WMF (talk) 13:21, 27 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  142. Buddy Gripple (talk) 14:33, 27 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  143. ~Judy (call it in!) 04:14, 28 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  144. I know who to look upto for inspiration in times of trouble. Gotitbro (talk) 15:45, 29 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  145. Cdjp1 (talk) 17:15, 29 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  146. I wasn't there at the time, but you two are the reason even the most despaired of people still have hope in this world. Mox Eden (talk) 05:48, 30 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]
  147. – LuniZunie ツ(talk) 11:08, 31 October 2025 (UTC)[reply]