Four rules, and you broke at least half of them

Reported by the local ABC affiliate

Short version,

Dad shoots 4-YO son in the head with a Flare gun. Later uttered "I didn't think it was loaded".

Skull fracture... Nice.

One question for dad... WHAT [no that's not strong enough] WTF WERE YOU THINKING? What is the possible upside to playing bang-bang with your sons armed with a GUN?

Four Rules: Learn them, live them.
1. All guns are always loaded.
2. Never point a gun at anything you do not intend to destroy.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until the sights are on the target.
4. Be sure of your target and what is beyond.

Doesn't matter if the gun is a .22, 9mm. 1911, Walther PPK, .38 snubbie, big Mo 50 cal 16", Nerf(tm) gun or a flare gun. A gun is a gun, apply the four rules and avoid the regret. I'm pleased as punch this was only a flare gun rather than a "gun" gun.

Meanwhile, it looks like pizza is on the menu tonight... It's a benefit for three year old Landon Smith who reportedly found a gun under the couch and managed to pull the trigger. Same question for the owner of the gun found under the couch "WhatWTF WERE YOU THINKING?" Most of these stories end a couple days later with a "died after valiant fight" story... Fortunately this one is different. Landon is doing far better than expected, eating on his own and only a bit delayed.