In Waverly, Ohio, an incident at a Walmart store has highlighted the critical issue of firearm safety, especially around children.
On November 16, 2022, at around 11 a.m., a two-year-old boy accidentally discharged a firearm inside the store. The Waverly Police Department reported that the child found his mother’s Taurus 9mm handgun in her purse and fired it, sending a bullet into the store’s ceiling.
According to police statements, the gunshot resulted in a minor injury to the toddler’s forehead, caused by contact with the gun’s magazine. The child’s mother, whose identity has not been disclosed, was taken into custody following the incident. She faces charges of child endangerment, as filed in Pike County Court.
The toddler was released into the care of a guardian and taken for medical care.
This event has raised concerns about responsible gun ownership and the necessity of proper firearm storage, particularly in households with children. The Waverly Police Department, through a statement on their Facebook page, emphasized the importance of these safety measures. They underscored that such incidents serve as a reminder for heightened awareness and the implementation of adequate safety protocols for firearm storage.
Statistics indicate the gravity of the issue. An estimated 4.6 million American children live in homes with at least one unlocked and loaded firearm. Each year, approximately 350 children unintentionally shoot themselves or others using guns from their homes or a friend’s home. Firearms are also the most common method used in children’s suicides and school shootings.
Organizations like Project ChildSafe advocate for secure gun storage practices, such as using locked safes, cabinets, or vaults that are inaccessible to children. They also recommend storing ammunition separately in a locked location and utilizing cable-style gun locks. These measures are essential for preventing accidental shootings and ensuring the safety of children.
