A peculiar incident at Lucas Kunce’s campaign event has led to discussions about safety during firearm-involved gatherings.
At a Glance
- Lucas Kunce was not charged after a reporter was injured at his campaign event.
- The incident occurred on October 22 at a private shooting range near Kansas City, Missouri.
- KSHB-TV reporter Ryan Gamboa was injured but continued covering the event after medical attention.
- Clinton County Sheriff Larry Fish confirmed there was no “ill intent” and no charges were filed.
- The incident has become a talking point in the closely watched Senate race against Josh Hawley.
Details of the Incident
Lucas Kunce, a Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, found himself in the midst of controversy following an accident at a campaign event held at a shooting range. The event, intended to appeal to gun-rights advocates, took an unexpected turn when KSHB-TV reporter Ryan Gamboa was injured by a stray metal fragment. The injury, described by some as a “freak accident” occurred on October 22 at a private shooting range near Kansas City.
Despite the accident, authorities concluded there was no criminal negligence on Kunce’s part. Sheriff Larry Fish stated, “no malice, nor ill intent,” absolving Kunce and the other participants of deliberate wrongdoing. The incident was reported to the sheriff’s office, ensuring transparency in the subsequent investigation. Additionally, Ryan Gamboa, after receiving immediate first aid from Kunce and further treatment at a hospital, chose not to pursue charges.
The Clinton County Sheriff's Office has concluded its investigation into an incident where a television reporter was injured at a shooting-range during candidate for U.S. Senate Lucas Kunce's event on October 22. https://t.co/MkkMw6avX9
— KQ2 (@kq2) October 30, 2024
Political Implications
The repercussions of this event extend beyond mere physical injury. It has become a point of contention in the Missouri Senate race. Republican Senator Josh Hawley, Kunce’s opponent, seized the opportunity to critique Kunce’s campaign strategy, casting doubts on its safety protocols. At a public rally, Hawley humorously promised not to harm any reporters, calling on Kunce to make a similar pledge.
However, Kunce assured that safety was paramount at the event, organized by a certified NRA Training Counselor. The event saw participation from a former Republican congressman supporting Kunce’s campaign, aiming to bridge bipartisan gaps. Despite no charges being filed and the accident deemed unintended, the incident has intensified the political rivalry in Missouri, where the debate over gun rights remains heated.
A bullet fragment from an AR-15 fired by Democratic Senate candidate @LucasKunceMO struck a reporter today. Kunce applied first aid and the reporter is okay. https://t.co/Am22UUv5pq
— Anthony Adragna (@AnthonyAdragna) October 23, 2024
Future Campaign Impacts
This incident has highlighted the necessity for meticulous safety protocols at campaign events involving firearms. Gun experts have criticized the setup, identifying that metal targets positioned at a mere 10-yard distance might have contributed to the ricochet. As Kunce and Hawley are set to face off in an upcoming debate on Missouri Nexstar stations, this episode could influence voter perception and be a crucial topic of discussion.
With safety at campaign events thrust into the spotlight and political tensions running high, the incident at Kunce’s shooting range event underscores the complexities involved in balancing campaign efforts and public safety. The outcome of Missouri’s Senate race remains uncertain, as both candidates vie for public confidence amidst this unexpected controversy.
Sources
1. Sheriff concludes shooting-range injury of TV reporter at Lucas Kunce event was an accident
2. Senate Candidate Avoids Charges After Reporter Hurt at Shooting Range Event
