The Guy With The Gun

Does anyone else remember the time a tall man stood in the aisle of the bus, threatening us all? It was a dark, wintry evening when he stood in the aisle and announced that he had a gun. Have you all forgotten? He also carried a small bell that Buddhists use for meditation and he rang the bell frequently to gather attention. He reassured us all he wouldn't hurt anyone but also reminded us he was armed. The driver just drove along the highway as if nothing were amiss. I remember thinking that any two or three of us could have rushed him, but in fact no one was in the mood to play the hero. He demanded our complete attention, but most riders seemed engrossed in heir newspapers, seforim, and some napped. He unfolded the unhappy story of his life, accompanied by the sound of his meditation bell. Passengers kept their heads down. No one objected to this intrusion or threat to our safety. I've ridden Monsey busses where cell-phone noise or a mechitza too close to a shoulder was cause for argument or even fist-fight, but threaten people with a gun and ... nothing?

I'd be interested in anyone else's recollections of this night.