A Virginia mom, Brandie Weiler, was driving her daughters to Busch Gardens when they witnessed a car accident along John Taylor Highway. She left her girls, Maddie, 12, and Mollie, 7, in the van to check on the victims and call 911.
As soon as Brandie had walked away, a man from the car that had caused the crash slowly approached the van.
A dangerous situation
Maddie reacted quickly and locked all the doors, but the man stuck his hand through the window to unlock the van and got in.
The man tried to drive away with them saying things along the lines of ‘Let’s go’ and ‘I need to get to this place,' but Maddie was determined to put up a fight.
She immediately put the van in drive to stall him and then, began punching and screaming at him with all her might, giving enough time for her little sister to escape.
When you’re in that situation, you just go. I would think most people would freeze but I was not about to leave my sister.
Maddie Weiler to PEOPLE
A clever plan
The man tried to defend himself but he ended up getting out of the car and approached another car to carjack. Just then, the police arrived and identified him as Paul Salsman. He was charged with three counts of attempted carjacking, hit and run, and driving under the influence of drugs.
Maddie’s father, Steven said that Maddie has always been told to "kick, scream, bite, hit, gouge out their eyes, whatever you have to do” if anyone attempted to take her. Coming from a family of police officers, Maddie and Mollie were trained on what to do in such situations but throwing the car in drive to prevent the engine from starting was something that even Maddie’s parents didn't expect her to do.
I always knew she was something. She’s a different kid, she showed strength the other day. Strength I never knew she had, and I’ve been completely amazed.
Steven Weiler to PEOPLE
During the encounter, Maddie suffered a fractured growth plate in her wrist.
I was thinking about getting Mollie out and beating this guy up so he couldn't start the car-doing anything I could so I could to save Mollie. If he took off with both of us or took Mollie, it would've been my priority was to get her out. I would've been heartbroken.
Maddie Weiler to ABC News
Courage comes from unlikely places
Maddie’s courage and cleverness stemmed from the need to protect her sister. At a time where someone could be paralyzed to react, she used all the skills she was taught to stop Salsman.
This story also encourages parents to teach basic self-reliance skills to their children so that they could defend themselves in times of need.
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Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.