In a variety of jurisdictions across the country today, accidental gunshot wounds sent people to the hospital, where staff are already struggling to find sufficient resources to manage the coronavirus epidemic.   Among the accidents was one in Ormond Beach, Florida, where a 22-year old man was shot in the leg when a .22 caliber rifle fell from the bed of his truck and discharged.  The man was shooting at cans at the time. 

In Pennfield, Michigan, a 66-year old man was adjusting a gun in his waistband when it discharged, resulting in self-inflicted injuries.  He was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

 A 24-year old was handling a short-barrel shotgun in Madison, Wisconsin, when it accidentally discharged.  After treatment by a police officer, the man was hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries.  Charges of “endangering safety by reckless use of a weapon” are expected when the man is released. 

Finally, in Phoenix, Arizona, a woman was shot when a bullet passed through her apartment wall.  She was also hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries.  Police are investigating.

There were no reports today of coronavirus-related civic unrest of the type used by the NRA to encourage Americans to go out and buy guns. 

Sources:

Patricio G. Balona, “Deputies: Man Shooting Cans Near Ormond Shot in Leg,” Florida Headline News (Daytona Beach) (March 26, 2020).

“Calhoun Co. Deputies Investigate Accidental Shooting in Pennfield,” WBCK 95.3 (March 26, 2020).

Police Incident Report, “Incident Report for Case #2020-117387,” City of Madison Police Department (March 25, 2020).

“Woman Injured After Bullet Goes Through Apartment Wall in Phoenix,” ABC 15 Arizona (March 26, 2020).