At least five children were shot and injured today in various circumstances, continuing to illustrate just how dangerous guns are around American children.  Also today, four teenagers were killed in apparently intended gun violence incidents.  Without taking away from the horrific nature of intended gun violence across the United States, the focus here remains on the unintended consequences of inattention to basic gun safety principles including safe storage:

In Birmingham, Alabama, an 11-year old was shot in the arm by a sibling.  There is no report about how the child came into possession of the gun. The child’s injuries are not considered life-threatening.

 A 16-year old Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania boy accidentally shot himself in the hand.  He initially falsely claimed to the police that he was hanging out the window and was shot by someone outside.   Again, there is no information about how the child got the gun.

In Chicago, Illinois, someone was playing with a handgun when it went off and struck a 16-year old in the abdomen.  The boy was taken to the hospital in serious condition.

And in the Bronx, New York, Tamiyah Thomas, a 16-year old visiting from suburban Virginia, is in critical condition at the hospital after being struck in the head as an innocent bystander by a round fired during a picnic on a local playground. “There’s too much stupid violence and crazy crime happening in New York, in broad daylight,” her dad said at the hospital.  Another girl was also injured.

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