Who Was William Hardison? What Happened in Pittsburgh?

Are you searching for information on who was William Hardison? He was the individual at the heart of the Pittsburgh Shooting Incident, where he resisted eviction and engaged in a standoff with law enforcement. Read on to know more.

by P Nandhini

Updated Aug 25, 2023

Who Was William Hardison? What Happened in Pittsburgh?

Who Was William Hardison?

William Hardison Sr., a 63-year-old man from the Garfield neighborhood in Pittsburgh, was at the center of an active shooting incident that resulted in a standoff with law enforcement. Hardison had a history of criminal charges, including aggravated assault and harassment. He identified as a sovereign citizen, which meant he believed he was exempt from certain laws. During the incident, he engaged in a six-hour standoff with law enforcement, opening fire on a constable attempting to serve an eviction notice.

What Happened in Pittsburgh?

A dramatic shooting incident unfolded in Pittsburgh's Garfield neighborhood involving William Hardison Sr. It began when law enforcement attempted to serve an eviction notice to Hardison at his residence on the 4800 block of Broad and North Mathilda streets.  Hardison opened fire on the constable, triggering a six-hour standoff.

The area was evacuated, and law enforcement, including the bomb squad and SWAT, responded to the scene. Shots were exchanged between Hardison and law enforcement, and the situation escalated. Eventually, the standoff ended with Hardison's death. He had barricaded himself in his home and exhibited resistance towards law enforcement.

Pittsburgh Shooting Incident

The Pittsburgh Shooting Incident unfolded in the city's Garfield neighborhood, drawing significant attention due to its intensity and prolonged nature. When law enforcement officials arrived at his residence on the 4800 block of Broad and North Mathilda streets to serve an eviction notice, the situation took a dangerous turn.

Hardison resisted the eviction attempt and opened fire on a constable, sparking a confrontation that escalated into a six-hour standoff. The exchange of gunfire and the barricaded nature of the situation led to a significant law enforcement response, involving specialized units such as the bomb squad and SWAT teams. Despite the intense engagement, law enforcement managed to protect the safety of both officers and civilians present, minimizing injuries throughout the incident.

Ultimately, the standoff concluded tragically with Hardison's death. The incident shed light on the challenges law enforcement faces when dealing with individuals who resist authority and engage in violent confrontations. The Pittsburgh Shooting Incident served as a reminder of the risks law enforcement officers encounter while working to maintain public safety.

Was Anyone Injured in the Incident?

Certainly. While the Pittsburgh shooting incident unfolded, a sheriff's deputy unfortunately sustained a head injury while seeking cover from the exchange of gunfire between law enforcement and the suspect, William Hardison Sr. Fortunately, no significant injuries were reported among the law enforcement officers or civilians who were present during the tense standoff in the Garfield neighborhood.

Despite the intensity of the situation, law enforcement's efforts to manage the incident helped prevent more severe injuries from occurring.

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Who Was William Hardison? - FAQs

1. What led to the Pittsburgh shooting incident?  

William Hardison Sr., facing an eviction notice, opened fire on a constable attempting to serve the notice, triggering a standoff.

2. How long did the standoff in Pittsburgh last?

The standoff in Pittsburgh's Garfield neighborhood lasted for approximately six hours.

3. Was anyone seriously injured during the incident?

Thankfully, no law enforcement officers or civilians sustained serious injuries during the confrontation.

4. Why did William Hardison Sr. open fire on the constable?

Hardison identified as a sovereign citizen and believed he was exempt from certain laws, which likely contributed to his actions.

5. How did the Pittsburgh shooting incident conclude?

The incident ended with the death of William Hardison Sr. after an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement officers.