Additional Coverage:
Tragic Shooting Involving Children
A heartbreaking incident occurred in San Antonio when a toddler accidentally shot and killed an infant in a parked vehicle. Authorities reported that a three-year-old, a two-year-old, and a woman were also present in the car. A loaded gun was located in the rear of the SUV, and one of the toddlers retrieved it and discharged it.
Accidental Shootings on the Rise
This tragedy highlights a disturbing trend of accidental shootings involving children. In the past two decades, hundreds of young lives have been lost due to unsecured and loaded firearms. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most of these deaths were preventable.
Importance of Safe Gun Storage
Unintentional firearm deaths account for a significant portion of child fatalities in the United States. The CDC reports that most of these shootings occur at home and involve handguns. In Texas alone, there were over 30 unintentional shootings by children in 2023.
Texas Gun Laws
While federal law restricts handgun ownership for minors, not all states have laws requiring safe firearm storage. Texas does not have specific regulations regarding gun storage, but it prohibits leaving unsecured firearms in areas accessible to children.