Grandfather Accidentally Shoots Grandson While Trying To 'Gain Everybody's Attention' As He Officiates Wedding

While celebrating the disastrous wedding, a grandfather unintentionally shot his 12-year-old grandson.

Credit: LANCASTER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

According to reports, Michael Gardner was attempting to "gain everyone's attention," but instead of yelling, he decided to shoot a blank round from a pistol.

In a press conference following the event, the local police described the 62-year-old's behavior as "not very smart."

According to Lancaster County's Chief Deputy Ben Houchin, who described the incident to the media, the wedding had a delayed start, and things quickly got out of hand.

The Nebraska wedding, which was taking place at the serene Hillside Events in Denton, had been postponed because someone "forgot the rings."

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Gardner loaded his Pietta 1860 snub nose revolver with a blank that was filled with glue-coated black powder in an effort to draw everyone's attention.

He prepared to fire the gun into the air as his grandson watched from a nearby position when it slipped and struck the youngster in the left shoulder.

Houchin told the press conference: “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.”

After being taken to a nearby hospital, the 12-year-old was then moved to an Omaha hospital for "further treatment."

The child's injuries are not life-threatening, but it is understandable that the cops were not particularly impressed by the occurrence.

Even though Gardener hadn't intended to damage anyone, Chief Deputy Houchin deemed it "kind of neglectful" to shoot blanks among the wedding guests.

He said: “It’s just kind of neglectful to take a gun out that has blanks and fire it amongst people…Just another example that playing with firearms, no matter what, [even] if they’re blanks, bad things can certainly happen.”

Continuing, he added: “We do not believe Michael intended to hurt his grandchild. But the act was not very smart.”

Deputy Houchin insisted, however, that no alcohol had been consumed prior to the event that occurred on Saturday night (Sept 30).

Gardener reportedly turned himself in on Monday (Oct. 2) after the unintentional shooting and was detained on charges of felony child abuse.

Although it is unknown if the 62-year-old will face charges, the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office did confirm that they had the gun, spent casings, and ammunition from the event.

“What the county attorney decides to charge him with is up to him,” Houchin added.

Even with blank cartridges, handling firearms carefully is crucial, especially at events.

This situation underscores that a momentary lapse in judgment can have long-lasting effects on everyone present. It's a reminder that firearm safety should never be taken lightly, even when it seems harmless.