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Pa. Reps. Marty Flynn, D-Scranton, left, and Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie

(Submitted photos)

The state representative who exchanged gunfire Tuesday night with would-be robbers in Harrisburg said in a statement released Wednesday that he had no intention of backing down in the incident.

"We are used to fighting for the people in our districts every day," Marty Flynn, D-Scranton, said in a statement released by the House Democratic Caucus. "We certainly are going to stand up for ourselves and not become victims."

Flynn was walking in midtown about four blocks from the Capitol with state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, around 11 p.m. Tuesday. They said they were accosted by a man who pulled out a gun and demanded their wallets. Police reported the incident happened in the 200 block of Herr Street.

The gunman was in close proximity to the two legislators while a second man across the street was shouting directions to the other robber, they said in their prepared statement.

Neither Flynn nor Bizzarro handed over anything. Flynn drew a handgun and exchanged shots with the first would-be robber, at which time both would-be robbers and the legislators ran in different directions, they said in the statement.

No one was injured in the incident. Harrisburg police announced Wednesday morning that four teenagers were charged as adults in connection to the incident.

The statement from the House Democratic Caucus said that Flynn is licensed to carry the gun he fired. He reported that he turned it over to a Harrisburg police officer after phoning 911.

"We were extremely impressed by the professional manner in which the Harrisburg police officers responded to our call," Bizzarro said in the prepared statement. "We are very grateful."

Flynn and Bizzarro said they were at the Capitol until House session ended after 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. They then met four other House members for a late dinner at a Second Street restaurant.

They later walked two of their colleagues back to the Capitol and began walking to their residence, which is on Second Street. Both men stay in the area when they are working in the city.

Flynn is a former Lackawanna County Prison guard and supervisor. He also says on his website that he is a former mixed martial arts fighter and professional boxer. Bizzarro is a former victim-witness coordinator for the Erie County courts. Both men were elected to the House of Representatives in 2012.

The statement released by the House Democratic Caucus said the two lawmakers are attending to business Wednesday morning at the state Capitol and will be in the House the rest of the day for what is expected to be a lengthy session.

They do not wish to comment further on the incident other than to assure constituents and colleagues they are unhurt and are prepared to testify in any legal proceedings, the statement said.