Former Congressman Adam Kinzinger and Democratic MO Senate nominee Lucas Kunce were involved in a photo op that took a dangerous turn this week. A bullet ricocheted off a steel target they were too close to and hit a reporter from KSHB-TV in the arm.
Kunce placed a belt on the reporter’s arm, like an improvised tourniquet, and later stated that they were well-prepared with multiple first aid kits. Using a tourniquet was not the appropriate method for what appeared to be a flesh wound, and given that they continued to shoot, it was obviously a minor injury.
The pictures before the incident show them shooting at steel targets that were way too close, especially with a rifle. When a bullet impacts steel, it can easily ricochet and hit a shooter, which is what most likely happened here. You need to always keep a safe distance from what you are shooting, and 5 to 7 yards is way too close with a rifle. Most manufacturers recommend 25 to 100 yards, depending on the caliber and type of steel.
Kinzinger’s shooting stance implied a lack of experience with rifles, and his safety glasses, which were resting on his head instead of covering his eyes, were not doing him any good. Kunce brushed off the accident in multiple posts on X, making it sound like it was no big deal, even though it showed many safety concerns.
If you look at the bench in front of them, you can see two containers of Tannerite, and if you are familiar with it, you know it explodes when shot. That’s an excellent way to turn a negligent discharge into a catastrophe.
Kunce posted it was a “great range day,” and in the past, Kinzinger had said firearm owners should be required to have an “extra license” or “extra training” to own weapons.
Their photo op ended up showing everything not to do with a firearm, and these are the same people pushing for “common sense” gun laws.
In 2021, Kunce offered safety training to a Missouri couple brandishing firearms at protestors passing their house after breaking through a private gate. Kunce even created a full video, but the internet doesn’t forget, and that post didn’t age well. “My offer still stands for a Marine-led weapons safety training before you get your next gun… It might just keep you out of prison before Election Day.”
Their lack of safety becomes more apparent as you examine the photos. The fact that they posted what they did and bragged about their first-aid skills didn’t improve how the stunt was perceived.
There also appear to be concerns about the legal ownership of the weapons because the individual who provided the range and possibly the firearms has a criminal record, which includes a felony.
There are also questions a bit about whether the person who set up the range owned the guns because he’s a felon, and a felon can not possess a firearm.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible firearm handling. Despite advocating for “common sense” gun laws, the actions of Kinzinger and Kunce during the photo op underscore the critical need for adherence to safety protocols in gun-related activities.
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