LOOK: YouTuber gets fatally hurt while filming a prank
The shooter was found not guilty
YouTube is no stranger to pranks and scripted stunts, with vloggers and content creators uploading videos and materials for their respective channels. But it seems like one YouTuber’s prank wasn’t received well by his supposed victim when he got shot while filming.

On April 2, 2023, 21-year-old YouTuber, Tanner Cook, known for his prank videos for his “Classified Goons” with more than 58,000 subscribers, was involved in a serious incident. While trying to engage and amuse his viewers, a prank took an unexpectedly dangerous turn, highlighting the substantial risks and consequences associated with certain types of online content creation pranks.
According to various reports, Tanner was harassing a mall goer named Alan Colie. Tanner followed the man around the Dulles Town Center mall in Loudoun County, Virginia, shoving a phone in Alan’s face while playing bizarre sound clips. Reports also stated that Alan tried to stop Tanner several times, and when he didn’t listen, “self-defense” gun shots were fired. Tanner then sustained injuries to his stomach and liver.
Netizens reacts

The YouTube and online communities quickly reacted to the Tanner Cook incident. Numerous content creators and influencers took to social media platforms to voice their concerns and promote the importance of safer and more ethical online practices, sparking discussions about responsible content creation and setting boundaries, particularly in the context of pranks.
Meanwhile, Daily Mail reported that Alan, who has a license to carry a weapon, was found not guilty of shooting.
“He was found guilty on a lesser charge of shooting into an occupied dwelling but a judge will hear arguments to set aside this conviction at a hearing next month after his lawyer appealed against it,” the reports says. “If found guilty of this lesser firearms count, he faces up to ten years in prison.”
As of writing, Tanner is still actively creating content and even uploaded videos about the shooting incident.