The murder-suicide of Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher and Kasandra Perkins has naturally led to the ongoing discussion of firearms in America and the burgeoning gun culture. Bob Costas raised the issue last week in a nationally televised broadcast which of course led to a quick and highly reasoned response by the NRA.
NRA News’ investigative reporter Ginny Simone wonders:
“She was totally defenseless against this 6-foot guy that weighs 240 pounds. What if she had a firearm?”
From the AP:
MERCER, Pa. — A man's handgun went off while he was holding it as he got into his truck in the parking lot of a western Pennsylvania gun store Saturday, and the shot killed his 7-year-old son, authorities said.
Joseph V. Loughrey, 44, of Sharpsville, was getting into the truck when the 9 mm handgun discharged, wounding Craig Allen Loughrey in the chest, according to state police. The boy died at the scene at Twigs Reloading Den in East Lackawannock Township, 60 miles north of Pittsburgh.
Investigators said Loughrey told them he didn't realize there was a bullet still in the chamber. "This happens all too often where people think the gun was empty," Lt. Eric Hermick told The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Loughrey was trying to sell two guns at the store — one a scope rifle and the other, the handgun, state police said. The owners told Loughrey the store doesn't buy guns so Loughrey and his son returned to the truck with them. Loughrey put the boy in the passenger seat and loaded the rifle into the truck, state police said. He was attempting to get inside and reached to put the handgun in the center storage console when it fired, they said.
Ms. Simone was quick to respond:
'This senseless tragedy could have been averted if the State of Pennsylvania allowed 7 year olds 'concealed carry' permits. Given the quick reflexes of children, the boy could have 'gotten the drop' on dad and put a round in his head long before the accidental discharge.'
Sarcasm aside (got that, NRA?) How can any reasonable person buy into the argument that MORE guns on the streets and in the hands of morons is the answer to ANYTHING, other than the question 'How can we can increase accidental as well as intentional 'moment of passion' gun violence in this country'?