A distressing incident unfolded during a youth football practice, as an 11-year-old player now faces a second-degree attempted murder charge for allegedly shooting two of his 13-year-old teammates. The altercation that led to the shooting reportedly began over a disagreement about a bag of chips.
Due to the child’s age, their identity remains undisclosed. However, they now face one count of attempted second-degree murder. Apopka Police Chief Michael McKinley addressed the media during a press conference, where he revealed that the young player had obtained the firearm from an unlocked box in his mother’s SUV. He then aimed and fired at another teammate, striking him in the back. The same round is believed to have hit another juvenile in the arm.
The two injured children were promptly rushed to the hospital, where they are expected to make a full recovery. Chief McKinley used this incident as an opportunity to urge society to reflect on the prevalence of such occurrences. He expressed concern over the accessibility of firearms to young individuals and emphasized that guns are not a viable solution to any problem, but rather a catalyst for further complications.
Additionally, the mother of the 11-year-old may face charges for leaving the weapon within reach. This incident serves as a reminder of the urgent need for responsible firearm storage and parental vigilance.
Disturbing statistics from the Gun Violence Archive further underscore the severity of the issue. As of now, a staggering 1,327 children have lost their lives, while an additional 3,580 have suffered injuries due to gun incidents this year alone.
It is imperative that we collectively address this pressing matter, taking steps to ensure the safety and well-being of our youth. The grave consequences of such incidents demand immediate action in promoting a culture of responsible gun ownership, parental responsibility, and child safety.
