When Will People Learn?

Another child wounded when loaded gun left unsecured

We see this kind of story too often. Far, far too often. On Tuesday, the West Memphis, Ark., police responded to a frantic 911 call. A woman reported her son, just 3 years old, had been shot.

When police arrived, they found the boy, who had suffered a single gunshot wound.

He was taken to the hospital and remained in critical condition overnight. By Wednesday morning, his condition reportedly had been upgraded to stable.

We can only hope for a full recovery. So, was this a deliberate act of violence? Perhaps a drive-by shooting gone wrong?

No. The child shot himself. With a handgun left carelessly where he could find it.

The maddening thing is that this whole tragedy could have been prevented. Completely prevented.

Most gun owners are responsible. They keep their firearms secured when not in use.

But there are some who can’t be bothered. They leave loaded guns out in the open, without so much as a trigger lock. That makes it easy for anyone to gain access. Maybe a curious child or even an older kid who wants to show off. And sometimes—more and more often it seems—that leads to something terrible.

Police are investigating the West Memphis incident. Charges may be filed.

Gun ownership is a right, but rights come with responsibilities. And it’s up to every gun owner to keep their firearms secure in order to keep others safe. Anyone who can’t do that doesn’t deserve to own a gun.