A U.S. Senate campaign event at a private firing range went awry when a bullet fragment struck a TV reporter in the arm. Democratic candidate Lucas Kunce gave first aid to the journalist.
Mr. Kunce, who is challenging Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, was at a private residence north of Kansas City with former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, Illinois Republican, and other supporters who were shooting metal targets with AR-15 firearms Tuesday at a distance that some observers said was too close.
A fragment appeared to have ricocheted off one of the targets, and KSHB-TV’s Ryan Gamboa began bleeding from his arm, according to the Kansas City Star. Mr. Kunce was the only person shooting when the injury happened.
Mr. Kunce, a 13-year Marine veteran, wrapped gauze and his belt around Mr. Gamboa’s arm to help stop the bleeding. The reporter’s injury was later wrapped with medical tape, and Mr. Gamboa remained on site to continue his assignment.
“You never know what’s going to happen—shrapnel can ricochet off anything, and you’ve got to be prepared,” Mr. Kunce said in a statement. “We were able to handle the situation, and I’m grateful Ryan is okay and could continue reporting.”
Mr. Kunce posted a photo of his day at the range and the bandaged-up reporter on X.
“Great day at the range today with my friend Adam Kinzinger We got to hang out with some union workers while exercising our freedom. Always have your first aid kit handy,” he said.
“Shrapnel can always fly when you hit a target like today, and you’ve got to be ready to go. We had four first aid kits, so we were able to take care of the situation, and I’m glad Ryan is okay and was able to continue reporting.”
Mr. Hawley responded to the incident on X saying, “I condemn all acts of violence against reporters and call on Kunce never to shoot another one,” followed by laughing emojis.
Mr. Kinzinger shot back at Mr. Hawley, “Josh is Such a dork. What about the police on Jan 6? Condemn those acts of violence? Also, the reporter is fine and it was a fragment. Guess you don’t know how that all works.”
Other detractors of Mr. Kunce and Mr. Kinzinger criticized why they were using AR-15 firearms to shoot metal targets from such a close distance, as well as failing to wear their eye protection.
“You could’ve killed somebody today, you freaking moron. What kind of a brain dead idiot shoots steel inside 10 yards with a rifle?” said Federalist CEO and co-founder Sean Davis.
Attorney and law enforcement analyst Phil Holoway asked, “Why did you put a tourniquet on a grazing flesh wound? Why are people wearing their eye protection on top of their head? Why are you firing .223 rounds at metal targets 20 feet away?”
Second Amendment advocate Dana Loesch said on X that Mr. Kunce previously criticized St. Louis couple Patricia and Mark McCloskey for brandishing their firearms on their property when Black Lives Matter protesters marched by their residence.
Mr. Kunce, in a June 2021 post on X, said to Mr. McCloskey, “Hey Mansion Man — my offers 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.”
Ms. Loesch said above Mr. Kunce’s 2021 post, “THERE IS ALWAYS A TWEET. The McCloskeys never shot anybody.”
A September survey conducted by Emerson College Polling and The Hill showed Mr. Hawley at 51%, while Mr. Kunce was at 40%.
• Kerry Picket can be reached at kpicket@washingtontimes.com.
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