The manager of a Minnesota LA Fitness location was forced to subdue a man who brandished a gun over frustration with patrons who weren’t wearing masks.
Michael Florhuag, 64, was charged this week with assault with a deadly weapon for pointing a handgun at a manager’s chest while complaining members were exercising without wearing face masks.
Assistant manager Mike Olson told the Star Tribune he knew he had to disarm the man.
"I just kind of knew that it had to be done,” Olson said. “It didn't take much thinking. It was more of a reaction."
Olson credited his situational awareness and willingness to risk his life with experience gained during an eight-month tour in Iraq.
"It was definitely more dangerous" in Baghdad than during last week's confrontation with an armed and angry man, said Olson, who left the service in 2011 at the rank of specialist and with two Army Achievement Medals among other commendations. "We were kicking in doors and doing our best in the city."
Florhaug remained jailed in lieu of $50,000 bail before a court appearance Tuesday.
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