Missouri Democratic Senate candidate Lucas Kunce is under fire after a bullet fragment from his gun struck a nearby reporter, who had to be provided first aid.
KSHB-TV’s Ryan Gamboa was hit with the bullet fragment at a shooting range event on Tuesday, which was held at a private residence for the Democrat’s campaign, The Kansas City Star reported.
Kunce was firing rounds at a target when a piece of the bullet from the gun the Democrat was using ricocheted off the target and hit the reporter, who’s arm began to bleed before Kunce administered first aid.
In pictures that have surfaced from the event, Kunce can be seen wrapping gauze bandages around the reporter’s arm and using his own belt to stem the bleeding. The two were able to remain at the range and finish the event.
It’s too on the nose: Democrat Senate candidate Lucas Kunce shot a reporter at an event with Adam Kinzinger. pic.twitter.com/FzcPXb811r
— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) October 23, 2024
“You never know what’s going to happen—shrapnel can ricochet off anything, and you’ve got to be prepared,” Kunce said in a written statement. “We were able to handle the situation, and I’m grateful Ryan is okay and could continue reporting.”
Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley — Kunce’s incumbent opponent — reacted to the news that Kunce accidentally hit a TV reporter with his bullet fragment during a campaign event.
“I condemn all acts of violence against reporters and call on Kunce never to shoot another one,” Senator Hawley wrote on X on Tuesday. His post included three laughing emojis.
I condemn all acts of violence against reporters and call on Kunce never to shoot another one 😂😂😂
— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) October 23, 2024
Hawley also noted that his grandmother was a better shot than his Democratic opponent:
My grandma is a better shot than Lucas Kunce pic.twitter.com/rSjnBTlWeh
— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) October 23, 2024
The shooting comes more than a week after Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate and self-described “gun guy” Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz struggled to load his firearm during a pheasant hunting event that was covered by reporters.
Images and clips of the event were roundly mocked by many who suggested Walz did not have as much experience with guns and hunting as he has claimed. In one video, Walz is shown with a firearm — his own personal Beretta — as he appeared to struggle to operate it.
CBS campaign reporter Shawna Mizelle posted, “@Tim_Walz is out hunting pheasants for the season opener in MN. The Harris Walz campaign recently announced the hunters, gun owners & anglers coalition. Walz often says he supports the 2nd Amndmt but advocates for ‘common sense’ legislation. & we know Harris owns a Glock.”
Mizelle followed several photos with video of Walz attempting to operate his firearm and complaining, “It never fits quite right, it’s not quite right.”
“Watch Tim Walz struggle to load his shotgun and then complain that the kick usually hurts his shoulder. Men everywhere are in awe,” Amber Duke commented.
Virginia Kruta contributed to this piece.
