What police called an accidental shooting Tuesday in the parking lot of the Wal-Mart store along North Atherton Street in State College sent a man to the hospital with a gunshot wound to the hand.
The outcome could have been much worse.
We’re glad the man’s injuries were not serious. And we’re especially glad no one else was hit by the stray bullet.
Although the man had a permit to carry a firearm, we find his handling of the weapon to be reckless and irresponsible.
Clearly, his actions were dangerous to himself and others.
Patton Township police said the man shot himself when he attempted to pick up a gun that had fallen out of his holster as he hustled through traffic.
The man had been carrying bags of merchandise across the parking area when the gun fell, and he shot himself while shifting bags in his hands after picking it up.
The bullet went through his hand and into the pavement. He was treated for his injuries at Mount Nittany Medical Center.
Lawful gun owners and even concealed carry permit holders do this kind of reckless shit all the time. Every single day there are stories of their bumbling unfitness. The problem is they are not held accountable. Even in cases like this one in which someone is hurt, they are not held accountable.
Naturally the cases in which a bullet goes whizzing past someone's ear or harmlessly into the floowboard go unreported and ignored.
That's why gun owners pose as much of a threat than criminals do. It's time we heightened the screening and qualifications for gun ownership and especially for concealed carry.
What's your opinion? Please leave a comment.
Read more here: http://www.centredaily.com/2013/07/11/3684180/our-view-reckless-handling-of.html#storylink=cpy
