Wedding officiant accidentally shoots grandson, 12, during celebration

05 October 2023 , 22:16

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Michael Gardner has been charged over shooting his grandson (Image: AP)

A 62-year-old officiating a wedding has been charged after accidentally shooting his grandson with a revolver.

Michael Gardner allegedly was trying to corral guests by firing a blank round into the air but police say he slipped and shot his 12-year-old grandson in the shoulder. The bizarre incident happened at Hillside Events venue near Denton, Nebraska, on Saturday, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Ben Houchin said in a news conference Monday.

“When he decided to cock back the hammer of this revolver, it slipped and it shot his grandson in the left shoulder causing an injury,” Chief Deputy Houchin said. The officer said Gardner “decided to gain everybody’s attention and start the wedding with a bang."

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Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Ben Houchin speaks to officers (KLKNTV)

He added that Gardner created the .45 Colt ammunition blank by adding black powder and glue to a casing. “We believe the glue is what injured the child,” he said.

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Police were called to the scene just before 6pm and the child was rushed to hospital. Thankfully the boy’s injuries were non-life-threatening. It is unclear if the wedding party continued.

Gardner, from Odessa, Texas, turned himself in to police where he was charged with child abuse for neglectfully firing a firearm and injuring someone.

The events space in Nebraska where the shooting happened (KLKNTV)

Chief Deputy Houchin said: “Playing with firearms, no matter what, even if they’re blanks, bad things can certainly happen. We do not believe Michael intended to hurt his grandchild, but the act was not very smart. We do not believe alcohol was involved in the incident.”

The gun used was a Pietta Model 1860 Snub Nose revolver. Guns lead to thousands of deaths and injuries among children every year.

According to Nationwide Children's Hospital, nearly 1,300 children younger than 18 years of age die from shootings every year.

Charlie Jones