A recent incident at a Waverly, Ohio, Walmart has brought the issue of gun safety to the forefront, involving a two-year-old boy and a firearm.
On November 16, 2022, a toddler inadvertently discharged a Taurus 9mm handgun found in his mother’s purse, causing a bullet to strike the store’s ceiling, as reported by the Waverly Police Department.
Police reports indicate that the child suffered a minor injury to his forehead from the firearm’s magazine during the incident. His mother, who has not been identified, was detained and faces charges of child endangerment as per the Pike County Court.
The child was later placed under the guardianship of a relative and received medical treatment.
This event has brought attention to the critical need for responsible firearm handling and secure storage, especially in homes with children. The Waverly Police Department has stressed these safety issues in their public communications, urging for increased vigilance and appropriate firearm storage practices.
Statistics paint a disturbing picture: an estimated 4.6 million children in America live in homes with at least one unlocked, loaded firearm. Annually, about 350 children are involved in accidental shootings with guns from their homes or those of friends. Additionally, firearms are the leading method in child suicides and school shootings.
Organizations like Project ChildSafe are actively advocating for stringent gun storage methods, recommending the use of lockable safes, cabinets, or vaults, and storing ammunition separately in a secure place. They also suggest employing cable-style gun locks to avert accidental shootings and ensure children’s safety.
