Reddit Users Help Raise More Than $18,000 for Mall Security Guard Who Tased Abrasive Mom in Viral Vid

Darien Long

Reddit users have helped raise more than $18,000 to buy new and better equipment for "kick ass mall cop" Darien Long after video of him using his Taser on an out of control mother went viral.

The incident that quickly garnered national attention occurred about eight months ago at Atlanta's Metro Mall. It all began when Long, who is both the on-site manager and security guard at the mall, attempted to quiet a group of children who were making noise, prompting the kids' mother to begin harassing and threatening him.

Long showed incredible patience and restraint as the mother and a number of other women berated him continuously. Even the young children eventually began mocking the security guard, calling him "gay."

The mother who started the initial confrontation eventually assaulted Long, forcing him to use his Taser on the woman.

The entire ordeal was recorded on the camera on Long's bulletproof vest. The video, posted on Reddit Tuesday, has since gone viral.

Long now has a formidable group of online supporters who are applauding his handling of the situation. The fundraising effort on crowdtilt.com will reportedly go towards purchasing Long better gear and equipment.

As of 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, the Internet campaign had raised $18,571.53 -- and it doesn't expire for another 26 days. "This campaign is verified by Crowdtilt (and they will disburse the funds directly to Darien)," the page says.

Watch the video of the entire incident below (Warning! Extremely graphic language):

Read TheBlaze's original report on the incident here.

This story has been updated