Texas official charged after accidentally shooting grandson at Nebraska wedding.
A Texas County Commissioner Faces Possible Felony Charge After Accidentally Shooting Grandson at Wedding
In a shocking incident at a wedding in Nebraska, a Texas county commissioner is now facing the possibility of a felony charge after accidentally shooting his own 12-year-old grandson. The incident occurred during a ceremony that the commissioner was officiating.
The unfortunate mishap took place in Denton, a small town in southeastern Nebraska, during an outdoor wedding. Michael Gardner, a 62-year-old commissioner from Odessa, Texas, had intended to fire a blank round into the air as a signal for the start of the ceremony. However, as he was cocking the gun’s hammer, it unexpectedly discharged, hitting his grandson just below the left shoulder.
Speaking about the incident, Mr. Gardner expressed his confusion and shock, stating, “I’ve been around guns all my life, and I’ve never had anything like this happen.” He has been staying in Beatrice, Nebraska since the incident occurred.
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Mr. Gardner, who serves as an Ecto County Commissioner in Texas, revealed that he was officiating his nephew’s wedding at an outdoor venue near Lincoln, the capital city of Nebraska. He explained that he had created the blank round himself using an empty shell, black gunpowder, and hot glue. It was the dried glue that struck the boy and caused the injury, according to officials. While law enforcement stated that Mr. Gardner fired the gun to get the attention of the wedding attendees, he clarified that it was part of the wedding script.
The injured boy was immediately transported by ambulance to a hospital in Lincoln and later transferred to Children’s Hospital in Omaha, where he received stitches and was released. Fortunately, he is expected to make a full recovery.
Mr. Gardner emphasized that he never left his grandson’s side throughout the entire ordeal, expressing deep remorse and stating, “There is nobody who feels worse about this than I do. I’m not sure I’ll ever get over it.”
Following the incident, Mr. Gardner turned himself in to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office. The office has recommended a charge of felony child abuse, which carries a potential prison sentence of up to three years. However, this charge is typically reserved for cases of intentional abuse resulting in injury. Mr. Gardner was booked and posted a $1,000 bond for his release.
Chief Deputy Ben Houchin commented on the situation, saying, “Just another example that 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.”
As of now, prosecutors have not officially charged Mr. Gardner with a crime. A hearing was held on Tuesday, and prosecutors stated that they will decide by the scheduled arraignment on November 3rd what charges, if any, will be filed against him.
Mr. Gardner acknowledged that a felony charge could potentially end his political career. He is currently serving his first term as Ecto County Commissioner and had plans to seek reelection next year. However, individuals with felony convictions are ineligible to hold office. Despite the potential consequences, Mr. Gardner expressed his acceptance of responsibility, saying, “Politically, whatever happens, happens. And I’ll live with that. I would never make excuses for what happened. The responsibility lies with me.”
What support is being offered to both Mr. Gardner and his grandson by the community during this difficult time
Iately rushed to a nearby hospital, where he underwent surgery to remove the glue from his shoulder. Thankfully, the injury was not life-threatening, and doctors expect him to make a full recovery. The family has asked for privacy during this difficult time and has expressed their forgiveness towards Mr. Gardner, acknowledging that it was a tragic accident.
Local authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, and the Ecto County Sheriff’s Office is working closely with the Denton Police Department to gather all the necessary information. The authorities have not yet made a decision on whether to press charges, but Mr. Gardner could potentially face a felony charge of negligent injury to a child.
The incident has sparked a debate on gun safety and regulations. Supporters argue that accidents like these emphasize the need for stricter gun control measures and background checks. They believe that individuals should undergo proper training and education before being allowed to handle firearms. On the other hand, opponents argue that this was simply an unfortunate accident and that responsible gun ownership should not be punished due to one person’s mistake.
This incident serves as a reminder to always prioritize safety and exercise caution when handling firearms. Accidents can happen, even to those with years of experience. It is crucial to follow proper protocols and ensure that firearms are always handled responsibly.
In the midst of the tragedy, the community has come together to support both Mr. Gardner and his grandson. Local leaders and residents have offered their prayers and well wishes for the boy’s recovery, while also expressing their support for Mr. Gardner during this difficult time.
As the investigation continues, the legal consequences for Mr. Gardner remain uncertain. However, it is important that everyone involved receives the support they need, whether it is the family dealing with the aftermath or the authorities responsible for determining the appropriate course of action.
Ultimately, this incident serves as a solemn reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise from even the most unintentional of actions. It highlights the importance of education, responsibility, and a commitment to ensuring the safety of ourselves and those around us when handling potentially dangerous objects such as firearms.
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