Democratic Missouri U.S. Senate candidate, Lucas Kunce, is under investigation after a campaign event featuring live firearm demonstrations went awry, leaving a journalist injured. The event, which took place last Tuesday, also featured Adam Kinzinger, the former anti-Trump GOP congressman.

According to details released, Kunce and Kinzinger were shooting AR-15 rifles at steel targets in a closed gathering with local union workers when a reporter, Ryan Gamboa, sustained injuries from what is believed to be shrapnel or a bullet fragment. The incident occurred at a private residence and has since spurred an array of safety and ethical concerns surrounding campaign-hosted shooting events.

Lucas Kunce, who took two days to report the incident to the police, tried to manage the situation through social media. On his X account, he described the day as a great opportunity to hang out with union workers and emphasize safety, noting the presence of multiple first aid kits at the event. “Shrapnel can always fly when you hit a target like today, and you’ve got to be ready to go,” Kunce tweeted, adding that he was relieved that Gamboa could continue his reporting duties after receiving immediate care.

However, the post was community noted the post, saying,”This post shows two deadly mistakes the shooters are making and implying it is safe therefore a note is a good idea!. Never shoot that close with a long arm into steel and put the explosives(tanzanite) away on the table?”

Great day at the range today with my friend @AdamKinzinger. We got to hang out with some union workers while exercising our freedom. Always have your first aid kit handy. Shrapnel can always fly when you hit a target like today, and you’ve got to be ready to go. We had four first… pic.twitter.com/Qu4YxfrtrU

— Lucas Kunce (@LucasKunceMO) October 23, 2024

The Daily Wire, which reported the incident, provided correspondence suggesting that the authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the event. This has not only put a spotlight on Kunce’s handling of the situation but also on his alliance with Kinzinger, who has been a polarizing figure due to his outspoken criticism of former President Donald Trump.

According to the Kansas City Star, Kunce applied gauze and used his belt to wrap around Gamboa’s arm, assisting in stopping the bleeding. Despite the injury, the reporter stayed on-site and continued with his assignment. “You never know what’s going to happen — shrapnel can ricochet off anything, and you’ve got to be prepared,” Kunce said to the Star.

Kunce reported the incident to the Clinton County Sheriff on Wednesday, several days after the event. His communication with law enforcement coincided with an inquiry from The Daily Wire, which was probing potential legal violations related to his delay in reporting the shooting. The sheriff’s department confirmed that it is investigating the matter but declined to provide further details, citing the ongoing investigation.

Sen Josh Hawley (R-MO) wrote on X, “Serious question. Missouri law *requires* any person who causes injury with a firearm to file a report with law enforcement immediately. Did Lucas Kunce do that? Failure to do so is a crime.” Kunce is running to replace Hawley in the U.S. Senate.

Serious question. Missouri law *requires* any person who causes injury with a firearm to file a report with law enforcement immediately. Did Lucas Kunce do that? Failure to do so is a crime 👇 pic.twitter.com/GF6q2dLYMz

— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) October 23, 2024

On Thursday while addressing his supporters at Fischer Farms Pumpkin Patch in Jefferson City, Hawley seized the chance to poke fun at his rival, Kunce. “I know we’ve got some reporters here today. I just want to say to you guys, listen, I promise you I will not shoot you, no matter how many tough questions you ask me,” Hawley said. “When you shoot ARs at 10 yards at a steel target, you’re gonna injure someone.”

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