Two three-year old boys gained access to loaded handguns in separate accidents and shot themselves.  Available reporting suggests that the parents were treated differently after the two incidents. Neither report suggests that police are asking why gun manufacturers are allowed to make guns that a three-year old can fire.

 In Bakersfield, California, 29-year old Shawndel Ziegler was arrested after his son gained access to a loaded handgun and shot himself.  The boy was in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.  His father was charged with failure to properly secure a firearm and child endangerment.  The report notes that this is the second incident in which three-year olds shot themselves in Bakersfield this week.

 In Champaign, Illinois, a three-year old also found a gun today and shot himself. His injuries were also not considered life-threatening.  Police called the incident a “tragic” accident and there were no arrests. 

Sources:

Jose Franco, “Update: Father Arrested After 3-year-old Son Shoots Himself with Unsecured Handgun,” KGET.com (April 24, 2021).

“Police: 3-year-old Champaign Boy Hospitalized After Accidentally Shooting Himself,”  WAND17 (April 24, 2021).