A very similar accident occurred in 2008, when 8-year-old Christopher Bizilj was allowed to fire an Uzi. The recoil flipped the gun up and sent a fatal shot through the child's own head.
I figured at the time that recreational shooting ranges would change the rules. You have to be "this tall" to get on a roller coaster, but they still let small children fire sub-machine guns? How could they not have changed the rules?
The instructor appears not to have had a problem allowing the youngster to fire the weapon in "full auto" mode just abreast of him. The firearm used is notorious for it's short range lethal spray effects. Is the inclusion of minor participation in such events a regular occurrence in the USA? Because that is my impression based on appearances.
Only this time things went world-upsidedown-wrong. Guns are dangerous. It's just been proven beyond a measure of doubt. The girl is inarguably innocent of any crime, yet she managed to kill someone without intent using a firearm that was wilfully handed out to her by consenting adults.
This is the reverse of health & safety gone mad. The instructor was just stupid, but he paid the price, & the girl is never going to be the same. Who needs an Uzi, or any automatic weapon? I can't be too judgemental here, as I know if I lived in America I'd definitely own some old-style western guns (being a life-long western fan), & maybe some trips to the gun range. As bad as they are, there is something fascinating about guns.
A momentary lapse of judgement cost the man his life. I own several guns but would not think of handing a loaded one to a nine year old. Condolences to his family.
The adults who hand unqualified children firearms--Adam Lanza's mother Nancy is a prime example--sometimes end up paying with their lives.
I'm all for getting political on this by advocating suing the pants off adults who teach kids to use guns when said kids subsequently massacre others.
But really, stepping outside of politics for a moment. Are all people capable of using all technologies responsibly? I'd say some of the trolls on this board prove that many people aren't. Guns are just the most attention-grabbing way this phenomenon manifests itself.
I'd say a reasonable second amendment interpretation would acknowledge this fact. Reasoned through "conservative" means, no less.
Feel good story of the day, though feel sorry for the girl.
Maybe she enjoyed it.
zooba asked us not to get political. Should have asked us not to get "stupid" as well. Seriously, the comment about the child enjoying it is stupid comment. I will limit my description to that.
Feel good story of the day, though feel sorry for the girl.
Maybe she enjoyed it.
zooba asked us not to get political. Should have asked us not to get "stupid" as well. Seriously, the comment about the child enjoying it is stupid comment. I will limit my description to that.
Don't even give it any thought, Ed. When the person who said it has a heart as black as coal, what good would it do commenting. He'll just go on taking delight in the evil he thinks about other human beings.
