DEA agent shoots self during gun safety class for Orlando kids

The Miami Herald ^ | Fri, Apr. 30, 2004 | Associated Press

[archy]

DEA agent shoots self during gun safety class for Orlando kids

Associated Press

ORLANDO, Fla. - A federal drug agent shot himself in the leg during a gun safety presentation to children and his bosses are investigating.

The Drug Enforcement Administration agent, whose name was not released, was giving a gun safety presentation to about 50 adults and students organized by the Orlando Minority Youth Golf Association, witnesses and police said.

He drew his .40-caliber duty weapon and removed the magazine, according to the police report. Then he pulled back the slide and asked someone in the audience to look inside the gun and confirm it wasn't loaded, the report said.

Witnesses said the gun was pointed at the floor and when he released the slide, one shot fired into the top of his left thigh.

"The kids screamed and started to cry," said Vivian Farmer, who attended the presentation with her 13-year-old nephew.

"Everyone was pretty shaken up," Farmer said. "But the point of gun safety hit home. Unfortunately, the agent had to get shot. But after seeing that, my nephew doesn't want to have anything to do with guns."

The agent was treated at Orlando Regional Medical Center after the April 9 shooting and returned to work, DEA special agent Joe Kilmer said.

Police ruled the shooting was an accident, but the DEA headquarters in Washington was still investigating, Kilmer said.

[Sloth]

"Everyone was pretty shaken up," Farmer said. "But the point of gun safety hit home. Unfortunately, the agent had to get shot. But after seeing that, my nephew doesn't want to have anything to do with guns."

That probably IS the goal of such "gun safety" classes.

[BulletBobCo]

[GreenLanternCorps]

Note to Self:

When organizing a Firearms Safty Class, make the sure the instructor knows what he is doing.

[KOZ.]

I hope he had the decency to kick in his own door first.

now thats funny :)

[EEDUDE]

Note to self:

Don't sample stuff in the evidence locker before important events.

[Squantos]

BAHAHAHAHAHAHAH !!!........ Alphabet agency asshole trying to teach in alphabet atmosphere......LMAO !!

Stay safe !

[TexasRepublic]

"Hey kids, watch this ..."

[no more apples]

Not only that, but if I were going into a class-type situation, I would have checked my weapon at least twice BEFORE going in to be sure it wasn't loaded! And what was he thinking by putting the barrel anywhere near his own body while checking.

[RichInOC]

I know. This is one of those situations that shouldn't be funny, but is.

Upper thigh? That was dangerously close to being a real tragedy.

[csvset]

one shot fired into the top of his left thigh

A good opportunity for the children to utilize first aid training.

[TheBattman]

Maybe this agent needs to be under the "Barney Fife" rule -

A revolver - and only one bullet allowed - and he must keep that in his shirt pocket until authorized to put it in they cylinder.


Seriously though - what particular firearm was this? IF he removed the magazine first, then jacked the slide - the bullet in the chamber SHOULD have been ejected.

Furthermore - even with the magazine still in the firearem, it should not discharge on closing of slide unless his finger was on the trigger (and putting pressure on it).

Which brings us back to the question of - was there something wrong with the firearm?

If not- this cop needs to hand in his firearm. IF so - then the cause needs to be investigated.

[ladylib]

You forgot the accompanying drug dog going beserk, biting children and teachers, pooping on the floor, kids and teachers sliding into it in their attempts to escape.

Yes, you really are a VERY bad person LOL!

[NorthGA]

Some agencies, FBI I am sure about, never never surrender or unload their weapons. They are always armed.

[no more apples]

Depends on the weapon and since he was pointing the gun down, the round would not just pop out.

[EGPWS]

A federal drug agent shot himself in the leg during a gun safety presentation to children and his bosses are investigating.

Perhaps just a graphic demonstration of what not to do with a hand gun?

[Born Conservative]

I nominate this agent for The Darwin Award.

I think the Darwin is given posthumously, but he is eligible as a runner up.

[Dan from Michigan]

Kids, this is what happens when you violate rule one.

[Blood of Tyrants]

Maybe the DEA should change their name to the Darwin Enhancement Agency.

[The kings dead]

Police ruled the shooting was an accident, but the DEA headquarters in Washington was still investigating

Libertarians did it.

[Bottom_Gun]

Hmmm...sounds like the school should have gone with Eddie Eagle or maybe the pistol "First Steps" course. As an NRA instructor, I know we don't have any live ammo in the classroom!