Chaos erupts as gunman attacks Texas high school band competition; parents heroically intervene.

In the dimly lit Pasadena Memorial High School gymnasium on the evening of Saturday, October 14, 2023, chaos erupted during a routine band competition. As applause for the student performers faded, a sudden, alarming sound pierced the air—a gunshot. Attendees, caught off guard, were thrown into panic as a commotion unfolded. Parents scrambled, some instinctively moving toward what they believed to be the source of danger. In those tense moments, a parent’s instinct to protect shone through when a father courageously tackled the suspect, leading to a swift intervention by others.

The alleged shooter, 83-year-old Dennis Erwin Brandl, Jr., carried a small-caliber firearm into the high school gym, where families had gathered to enjoy the event showcasing talent from multiple school districts in the Houston area. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and terrifying, with many screaming “Active shooter!” As the situation developed, four fathers who were present for their children jumped into action, putting their own safety aside.

They were part of a group known as the Pearland Band Dads, volunteers who assist in band-related activities for Pearland High School. Among them were veterans of the military: Abram Trevino, a former Air Force serviceman; Adam Curow, a 14-year Army veteran; Efrain “Polo” Castillo, a Marine Corps veteran; and Joe Sanchez, a long-time Houston police sergeant. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Sanchez recalled the moment vividly: “People were coming out screaming… so me and Polo dropped everything and ran through the lobby door.” As they reached the scene, Sanchez saw another person struggling with Brandl, and he, along with the others, quickly moved in to help.

“Once the gun was removed from his hand,” Sanchez explained, “we had no handcuffs, so I took off my belt and made handcuffs.” They successfully restrained Brandl as law enforcement was called to the scene, with Pasadena Police Chief Jerry Wright commending the rapid response of those present: “Within 60 seconds, a suspect was disarmed and they prevented further shooting.”

The injured individual from the incident, identified as a percussion technical consultant for the Angleton Independent School District, sustained a gunshot wound to the shoulder but was reported to be in stable condition after being transported to a local hospital.

Authorities later noted that Brandl, Jr. was not affiliated with the band competition. His actions seemed to stem from a deeply personal crisis—he reportedly believed he was being pursued, fearing for his life and that of his wife. According to police, Brandl stated, “Someone’s trying to shoot me,” implying a delusion that contributed to his decision to enter the competition with a weapon. Curow, who directly encountered Brandl during the altercation, recounted his confusion: “We would look around or scan the area to see if maybe there was an additional or potential second person… but there was nobody.”

The Pasadena Police Department is now focused on understanding the full circumstances leading to Brandl’s actions. Investigators have opened a thorough inquiry into the motivations behind the shooting, seeking any prior incidents that could provide insights into his mindset. Meanwhile, the school district has indicated that security protocols will be reviewed and reinforced to ensure such a frightening incident does not recur.

As the investigation continues, Brandl remains in custody, and law enforcement has emphasized the importance of community vigilance and cooperation during such emergencies. The quick actions of the fathers not only helped prevent further harm but also highlighted the vital role that alert and engaged citizens can play in moments of crisis. Their story, a testament to courage in the face of fear, serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of violence in our daily lives, even in settings meant for celebration and community gathering.