On Tuesday, October 23, in the U.S., Democratic Senate candidate Lucas Kunce held a campaign event at a shooting range. Unexpectedly, after firing a shot, bullet fragments hit a TV reporter, fortunately, causing no serious harm.
On Tuesday afternoon, Kunce organized a campaign event at a private residence about 40 miles northeast of Kansas City.
At that time, Kunce was shooting targets at the range with an AR-15 rifle. However, a piece of bullet fragment seemed to bounce off the target and hit the arm of KSHB 41 News reporter Ryan Gamboa.
Kunce, who served in the Marine Corps for 13 years, immediately used cloth and a belt to stop the bleeding on the reporter’s arm. He then applied a medical bandage.
After receiving initial treatment, Gamboa stayed at the range and continued to fulfill his reporting duties.
In a statement, Kunce said, “When shooting at targets like today, debris always bounces, you have to be prepared.”
“We have four first aid kits, so we could handle the situation then. I am grateful that Ryan is okay and able to continue reporting,” Kunce said.
Former Republican congressman and CNN senior political commentator Adam Kinzinger also attended the event.
With only two weeks left until election day, Kunce emphasizes his military background in campaign ads, showing footage of him shooting in some commercials.
Kunce’s opponent is Republican Senator Josh Hawley, who is seeking his second term in the Senate.
According to the Emerson College Polling and The Hill poll in September, Hawley has a 51% approval rating, while Kunce has a 40% approval rating.
After the event, Gamboa went to a nearby hospital for a check-up. Gamboa stated that due to minor injuries, he was able to be discharged smoothly.
Kunce told another KSHB 41 News reporter that his campaign event strictly followed the safety rules of the shooting range.