3 year old accidentally kills herself after mistaking gun for Wii controller

[Crazedclerkthe2nd]

http://consumerist.com/2010/03/pre-s...ills-self.html

Working at a games store, I know for a fact there are several Wii controllers that look like pistols or shotguns or rifles (for the hunting games).

I also have a 3 year old nephew who loves toy guns, he and I shoot a BB gun out in the backyard (safely, we live in a rural place) many times when the weather is nice.

So I can understand what this girl was thinking when she saw the weapon.

But how stupid do you have to be to leave a loaded handgun on a table within reach of a 3 year old???

Of course this will energize the gun control folks, but, speaking as someone who has spent most of my life in a country with gun control, even I don't see this as a gun control issue, I see it as a tragic incident brought about by a terrible irresponsible gun owner.

[Hobbs]

I would like it if people were more responsible gun owners. I know that when I get a gun in my home, the first thing I'll do is teach gun safety to my children, and keep my weapon in a place that they can't access.

[protege]

Ugh. What a dipshit parent!

When I was growing up, there were always firearms in the house--rifles, shotguns, etc. However, they were always locked up (including trigger locks) unless my father was cleaning them. Otherwise, they were kept in a locked case, and the ammo was kept separately...also locked up. But, what that idiot did, was pretty fucking tragic! Why the hell was it just lying around?

I agree that this is *not* a gun control issue, but simply one of idiots who chose to breed, and a child who was killed through their stupidity. A *terminal* case of stupidity, unfortunately.

[draggar]

The parents should be charged with something. Neglegent homocide?

I would like it if people were more responsible gun owners. I know that when I get a gun in my home, the first thing I'll do is teach gun safety to my children, and keep my weapon in a place that they can't access.

My father in law is an avid gun collector (and a member of the NRA). Each child was given a gun for their 12th birthday (or a few years later) but:

- They were NEVER allowed to play with toy guns - guns arent toys.
- They were NEVER allowed to use it without his supervision
- They were taught how to use it, clean it, take it apart, about the gun, ammunition,etc.
- He would teach them (and practice) gun safety. If they were not being used or serviced, they were locked away.
- He would take them to his gun club to teach them how to shoot it.

They had no incidents in (or even around) the house.

If parents are going to keep a gun in a house with children then they need to be responsible and teach the children responsibility.

[Rapscallion]

Of course this will energize the gun control folks, but, speaking as someone who has spent most of my life in a country with gun control, even I don't see this as a gun control issue, I see it as a tragic incident brought about by a terrible irresponsible gun owner.

I won't be energised by this, as I know that one incident does not make data.

Rapscallion

[crazylegs]

This incident does nothing more than emphasize the need for proper training and storage of weapons - irrespective of who's around, be they 3 or 30 years old.

[Wingates_Hellsing]

Unless you're actively carrying or on the range, any firearm should be empty, locked and on safe (You'know, that thing that's there for... safety?) I've known 10 year olds (and younger) that know this.

You'd think that between the boy scouts, the NRA and the slightest shred of common sense people would know this... *sigh*

Anti-gun guy from one of my classes had this to say:
"Of course one incident doesn't make data, but it's a good reason to look for it!!!111!!eleven!11!one!"

*head... meets... desk...*

[Greenday]

Just another incident of people who never should have been parents. There's no reason to leave a loaded gun, with the safety off, around children who don't have any experience with guns.

[protege]

Even with the safety on, someone could still get shot. What if someone had bumped the table, sending the gun to the floor? The impact alone could set it off I do have a feeling that it won't be long before the gun control nuts start coming out of the woodwork

[Hobbs]

Even with the safety on, someone could still get shot. What if someone had bumped the table, sending the gun to the floor? The impact alone could set it off I do have a feeling that it won't be long before the gun control nuts start coming out of the woodwork

I've been trained on the M-9. With the safety on, it won't fire. Even dropping it. Most present-day guns won't operate without the safety off and the trigger being pulled.

[Wingates_Hellsing]

The whole "guns going off by hitting the floor" Thing is largely Hollywood nonsense anyway. In order for it to happen, weapon must:

A: Have a round chambered
B: The hammer is cocked back
C: The safety is off
and D: be a piece of shit gun.

Most everything has something to prevent exactly that scenario, going all the way back to the M1911s grip safety (you have to be holding the gun correctly in order for the trigger to work)

[BlaqueKatt]

The parents should be charged with something. Neglegent homocide?

well in my state they'd get a $10,000 fine for having an unlocked firearm where a child could reach it-which is why mine has a trigger lock-even though there are no children in my home-law is law and I will not violate it....

Most present-day guns won't operate without the safety off and the trigger being pulled.

um not all firearms have safetys-mine doesn't...and mine is a former police issue firearm....S&W Sigma-they do not have a safety.

[Lace Neil Singer]

I don't see this as a gun control issue; a similar tragedy could have occurred if the parents had left a knife lying around. It's more of a parental responsibility issue; and the idiot who left the gun lying around with his three year old daughter nearby needs a legal kick to the face.