A 21-year-old man in Lincoln, Nebraska, was critically injured when a 9mm pistol he purchased earlier that day discharged while he filmed himself demonstrating racking the slide in a Scheels parking lot. Bystanders and first responders applied a tourniquet and performed CPR before he was taken by ambulance for emergency surgery; police say he is in critical but stable condition. Investigators report the shooting appears to be accidental and no charges have been announced. Experts warn that distraction and lack of formal training can turn routine handling into a serious accident.
Newly Purchased 9mm Discharges While Owner Films Demonstration; 21-Year-Old Critically Injured
Image Credit: KTIV.
A 21-year-old man in Lincoln, Nebraska, was critically injured Tuesday after a 9mm pistol he had bought earlier that day discharged while he filmed himself demonstrating how it worked. The incident occurred around 1:08 p.m. in the SouthPointe Pavilions parking lot outside the Scheels sporting goods store.
According to Lincoln police, the man and his girlfriend returned to the parking area shortly after the purchase. She began recording as he demonstrated racking the slide on the semi-automatic pistol. During that demonstration the firearm discharged, and the bullet struck a major artery in his leg — an injury that can become life-threatening if not treated immediately.
Witnesses and first responders applied a tourniquet and performed CPR before the man was transported by ambulance to a hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. Police say he is in critical but stable condition. KTIV reports that no criminal charges have been announced and investigators currently believe the shooting was an accidental discharge involving someone still unfamiliar with the new firearm.
Scheels remained open for customers during the emergency response, a detail observers cited as evidence the scene was contained despite an ambulance in the lot. Authorities continue to investigate the exact circumstances of the discharge.
How This Happened — And How To Avoid It
Racking the slide on a semi-automatic pistol is a common, basic function check for new owners, but it can chamber a round or otherwise create a hazardous condition if the handler is not fully attentive. Adding a phone camera and the impulse to narrate divides attention that should be focused on muzzle direction, finger position and trigger discipline.
Manufacturers and retailers, Scheels included, typically offer brief orientation or recommend certified safety courses. The most significant risk often comes in the gap between leaving the sales counter and receiving formal, hands-on instruction from a qualified instructor.
Safety Tips: Do not handle a firearm in an uncontrolled public place; keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction; keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire; read the manual; and schedule professional training before demonstrating a new gun to others.
Authorities hope the man makes a full recovery. The case is a stark reminder that enthusiasm after a purchase should never override basic firearm safety practices.
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