Office Worker Uses Taiji Skill to Thwart Gunman

As reported in Martial Arts Professional

According to an Associated Press report, a one-day self-defense course recently paid off for a computer technician here confronted by a former colleague who had just shot to death the office manager.

Gary Lingle reportedly wrestled the assailant's gun away, pushed him out the door, and called the police. It is likely, authorities said, that Lingle saved three coworkers, including the gunman's wife. He is being hailed as a hero.

"I don't feel like a hero," Lingle said in an interview. "Somebody I loved dearly died. A hero is supposed to save everyone."

The assailant is William D. Manies, a 52-year-old accountant fired the previous month for Lawhorn & Associates for poor job performance and alcoholism. He shot Lorraine Lawhorn, 45, in the head as she sat at her desk, police said.

Lingle remembered his training from a company-paid class in Taiji Quan. Although chiefly known for its slow-motion exercises to develop health, Taiji Quan also has self-defense applications. Lingle wrestled away the revolver, grabbed another gun Manies had in a shoulder holster, forced him out the door, and called the police.