Video of prank YouTuber Tanner Cook shot in the mall released

"It is what it is," that is how Prank YouTuber Tanner Cook reacted after a jury found the man who shot him inside Dulles Town Center in April not guilty.

A jury found Alan Colie not guilty of aggravated malicious wounding or use of a firearm for aggravated malicious wounding, however, he was found guilty of firing a gun inside the mall. That guilty verdict has been set aside until a hearing to discuss it on October 19.

Colie was standing trial for shooting Tanner Cook, the 21-year-old behind the YouTube channel "Classified Goons."

The case went viral not because there was a shooting inside a mall, but because Cook is known to make prank videos. Cook amassed 55,000 subscribers with an average income of up to $3,000 per month. He said he elicits responses to entertain viewers and called his pranks “comedy content.”

WUSA9 caught up with the Cook family following the verdict. When we asked Tanner Cook how he felt about the outcome, he said it is all up to God.

"I really don't care, I mean it is what it is," he said. "It's God's plan at the end of the day."

His mother, Marla Elam, said the family respects the jury and that the Cook family is just thankful Tanner is alive.

"Nothing else matters right now," she said.

Tanner's father, Jeramy Cook, sent a statement to WUSA9 Thursday night saying, "We are all less safe than before."

Jeramy Cook called the verdict a product of mob rule. He said that the media painted Tanner as the aggressor and Colie as the victim.

"Right after this shooting, Saturday Night Live reported on their Weekend Update that a YouTuber doing a prank video at a Virginia mall was shot, then paused, starred into the camera and said good," said Jeramy Cook. "Everyone laughed, so millions of people saw this and just went with it."

He said that he was told by the Loudoun County prosecutor that even though the facts supported his son being the victim, public opinion wasn't with him.

Jeramy Cook added that his family has been targeted and harassed by people saying his son should have been killed.

"So is it open season on YouTubers even if they don't touch or talk to you," he said. "It's cool to just shoot them no matter what the facts are?"

Jeramy Cook ended the statement by saying the world is living in a time where public opinion can be easily manipulated.

[eleventhecccreator]

Moment of silence for the person that ordered the food and wondered why it never came. #freethecourier

[SerMattzio]

This is public bullying, intimidation and harassment. I'm so sick of these complete morons doing this to people who are just trying to go about their day.

[docyukiohattori]

I hope this dude's pranks continue to be this well received

[SutekhTheDestroyer]

I’m glad Tanner has decided to continue with his harassm—pranks, because I’ve never been more eager to see someone receive a Darwin Award.

[AndrewWeisMusic]

I totally condemn the shooter for not having a larger caliber gun.

[deathrager]

dude said no
dude said stop couple of times
too bad the prankster didnt die.

[PrezCamacho]

Lesson to dummies.... Do not prank random people....or they will prank you!

[enniomorabito]

Thank God, this guy was acquitted. Maybe now this nonsense with these pranksters will stop. When you are asked to step away and move away, and you don’t, I believe you have every reasonable right to self-defense at that moment and stand your ground.

[a_angry_bunny]

The fact that the family us defending their son harassing someone is appalling in itself.

[johnmcvey]

Don't feel sorry for the clown as it admitted its not going to stop with the pranks.

[gwmkwan]

Don't worry guys, the shot was just a prank.

[tire]

If y'all read the parents' thoughts on the matter, you'll figure out why he is the way that he is. Doesn't sound like he was disciplined or given boundaries. Could be wrong but his parents are at very least enablers to his behavior.

[Daskippa]

Imagine if the prankster head surgeon told the guy's parents that their son had just passed away due to complications from surgery, and then filmed their reactions. It would be the ultimate prank, and it would probably break the internet.

I

[ALADAR]

Poor guy, he looks overworked, stressed and at the moment of the inccident he looks terrified.

[taasch]

Poor guy just trying to make it in this world doing a thankless job. And then given a hard time and made mockery of. Poor dude deseeved none of it. Glad he was acquitted. I'll pray for him tonight

[Beastmode]

This is what a wolf in sheep’s clothing looks like. Looks like the most docile harmless person in the building, but took it to an extreme no other person there would have. He’s not the bad kinda dangerous, but the kind you want on your team when trying to make it home.

[Megatron-slus]

Tanner Cook wasn't happy when Alan was found not guilty. Tanner is just another Gen Z kid who thinks his actions shouldn't have consequences.

[Iam_loveadvocate]

When that man said "no physical accosting!!" CLEAR INDICATION TO LEAVE HIM TF ALONE

[vinsklortho]

As an introvert I will say, Alan Colie did nothing wrong.

[jurgo_]

When a stranger gets in your personal space in a threatening manner it's reasonable to predict mortal threat is coming. If you wait for that mortal threat it's to late. Therefore self-defense is appropriate.