AK47 Gunman Goes on Nine-Hour Rampage in UK City Months After Losing Job
In a terrifying series of events, a British dad armed with an AK47 assault rifle went on a nine-hour rampage in Liverpool, leaving the city in a state of fear and chaos. Leslie Garrett, a 49-year-old, began his violent spree at the Showcase Cinema, where he had previously worked. From the evening of January 3 into the early hours of January 4 last year, a manhunt unfolded on the streets of Liverpool as Garrett, dressed in flip flops and a long green overcoat, opened fire in a newsagents and then flaunted the weapon at a pub.
Garrett, who had lost his job at the Showcase Cinema three months earlier due to his struggles with alcohol, had a history of erratic behaviour, including a concerning call to emergency services a month before his rampage. Living out of his car after being kicked out by a family member, Garrett continued his destructive path by firing shots outside buildings and terrifying residents.
The rampage escalated when Garrett entered a shop, demanding money and firing a shot before fleeing empty-handed. He then proceeded to display the weapon to unsuspecting bystanders at a pub before targeting his former workplace, the cinema. Despite initial disbelief from staff, Garrett fired multiple shots before fleeing the scene and later being apprehended by armed police at his partner’s residence.
Facing a 14-year jail sentence and an additional four years on licence, Garrett’s actions were described by the judge as a campaign of terror that put numerous lives at risk. The shocking incident highlighted the devastating consequences of unchecked mental health issues and access to firearms in the UK. The community was left reeling from the traumatic event, with many calling for stricter gun laws and increased support for those struggling with addiction and mental health challenges.
As the city of Liverpool continues to recover from the harrowing ordeal, authorities are reflecting on the importance of early intervention and support systems to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Garrett’s case serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for mental health awareness and gun control measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.