Ronald Morosko

Every type of gun safety problem was on display in gun accidents that occurred today. All of today’s accidents are tragic, but none more so than the death of a Texas two-year old in Lawrence, Kansas who was shot in the chest while visiting at a local home. Details of the circumstances of the accident …

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SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2022

A three-year old Jacksonville, Florida boy found a loaded and unsecured gun in the bedroom of his home today. He shot himself in the head and died.

Alexander Sibley, a 36-year old man, was later arrested and charged with illegal gun possession based on a prior felony conviction. A neighbor told a reporter, “I do think the individual who had the gun out, in the sight of that child, I do think he should pay the consequences for what has happened."

According to a summary contained in the news report, “Florida law requires firearms that could potentially be accessed by a minor to be kept in a locked box, a secure location, or secured with a trigger lock.” Whether relying on the summary or on the text of the law, the definition of a “secure location” creates some ambiguity, because it is unclear what locations a “reasonable person” would consider secure. [According to the report, a Jacksonville police lieutenant, “encouraged community members to secure their firearms in a safe place and practice proper gun safety,” a standard that is even less protective of children.] Failure to comply with Florida’s safe storage law is a misdemeanor.

Finally, no one questioned why we allow gun manufacturers to design guns that a three-year old can fire.

Source:

Mindy Wadley, “Jacksonville Man C harged in Connection with Toddler's Accidental Shooting Death,” First Coast News (April 5, 2022).

Shattered – The Gun Accident Journal

Tag: Ronald Morosko

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2021