On this day May 28, 1981, a shocking incident occurred at the CBS affiliate studios in Phoenix, Arizona, when Joseph Billie Gwin forced his way into the building armed with a rifle. Fearing the threat of World War III, Gwin took four people hostage and demanded national broadcast time to deliver a message he believed could prevent global conflict.
During the standoff, veteran news anchor Bill Close remained calm under pressure and agreed to read Gwin’s 20 minute handwritten statement live on air. Once the reading was finished, Close courageously convinced Gwin to hand over the weapon by calmly taking it and setting it on the news desk. The hostages were freed without injury, and Gwin was taken into custody.
Fun fact: Bill Close’s composed actions under extreme pressure were credited with defusing the situation peacefully and earned him widespread praise in the broadcasting community.
During the standoff, veteran news anchor Bill Close remained calm under pressure and agreed to read Gwin’s 20 minute handwritten statement live on air. Once the reading was finished, Close courageously convinced Gwin to hand over the weapon by calmly taking it and setting it on the news desk. The hostages were freed without injury, and Gwin was taken into custody.
Fun fact: Bill Close’s composed actions under extreme pressure were credited with defusing the situation peacefully and earned him widespread praise in the broadcasting community.
