A campaign event at a shooting range takes an unexpected turn when Democratic Senate candidate Lucas Kunce and former Representative Adam Kinzinger's demonstration leads to a reporter's injury.
According to Fox News, KSHB-TV reporter Ryan Gamboa sustained an arm injury from a bullet fragment during Kunce's shooting demonstration with an AR-15 at a gun range.
The Democratic candidate, a Marine Corps veteran running against Senator Josh Hawley, immediately provided medical assistance to Gamboa using one of the four first aid kits available at the scene. The reporter was able to continue his coverage after receiving treatment.
Kunce defended the event's safety measures, stating that a certified NRA training counselor had properly set up and supervised the range. However, the incident sparked intense criticism from conservatives and firearm safety advocates.
Several experts raised concerns about the proximity of the steel targets to the shooting position, suggesting it created unnecessary risks for all participants. The debate centered on proper shooting range protocols and responsible firearm handling.
The campaign event, intended to demonstrate Kunce's support for Second Amendment rights while connecting with union workers, instead became a focal point for criticism of Democratic candidates' handling of firearms.
Senator Josh Hawley, Kunce's opponent in the race, took to social media to criticize the incident. His communications director, Abigail Jackson, questioned the competency of both Kunce and Kinzinger in handling firearms.
Conservative commentator Sean Davis expressed his concerns about the incident. He stated:
Absolutely mind-blowing insanity from a candidate for a political party that wants to take away your guns because it claims you can't safely own them.
The incident prompted digital strategist Greg Price to comment on proper shooting range safety protocols, particularly regarding the distance between shooters and steel targets.
Kunce addressed the situation by emphasizing the importance of preparedness when handling weapons. In an official statement, he explained his perspective on the incident:
I was grateful for the opportunity to talk to union workers about our freedoms at the range. Safety is important to us which is why the range was set up and run by a certified NRA training counselor. But any time you are handling weapons, you need to be prepared.
The exchange between Kunce and Hawley escalated when the Democratic candidate responded to Hawley's criticism by referencing the senator's actions during January 6, sharing footage of Hawley at the Capitol.
This incident has intensified the already heated Senate race in Missouri, bringing gun safety and Second Amendment rights to the forefront of campaign discussions.
The gun range incident has become a significant talking point in the Missouri Senate race, highlighting the delicate balance between demonstrating Second Amendment support and maintaining proper firearm safety protocols. The event resulted in a reporter's injury from a bullet fragment, sparked widespread criticism from conservatives, and led to a heated exchange between the candidates. Questions about proper range safety procedures and campaign event planning have emerged as central issues.
