A local reporter was struck by a bullet fragment after Democratic Senate hopeful Lucas Kunce fired an AR-15 at a gun range, igniting a wave of social media reactions, predominantly from conservative voices.

Kunce, a Marine Corps veteran, was campaigning at a shooting range when the incident occurred, which saw local KSHB-TV reporter Ryan Gamboa injured by shrapnel, as Fox News reports.

The event took place on a day attended by Kunce and others, including former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, bringing both political and public attention. The range was managed by an NRA-certified training counselor, underscoring the focus on proper safety measures typically expected at such venues.

Kunce rendered immediate aid to Gamboa by wrapping the wound with gauze. His actions in the aftermath helped ensure that Gamboa could continue his duties despite the injury.

The Democrat candiate remarked, "We had four first aid kits, so we were able to take care of the situation, and I’m glad Ryan is okay and was able to continue reporting."

Incident Draws Scrutiny

The incident stirred considerable backlash online, particularly on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Critics, especially from conservative circles, questioned the safety practices at the range, noting the use of steel targets and the potential ricochet issues that could arise from firing at close proximity. Conservative figures expressed disbelief and criticism through a series of posts.

Among the responses was a post from Josh Hawley, who commented sarcastically on Kunce’s campaign efforts. He posted, "I know the Kunce campaign needed a shot in the arm, but this is taking it a little far…" highlighting the political undertones that accompanied the discussions.

Criticism was not limited to Hawley’s remarks. Other users, like Abigail Jackson and Steve Guest, expressed intense disapproval of the situation at the range. The conversations reflected broader debates over gun safety, political competence, and public perceptions of firearm use.

Social Media Reactions Highlight Division

Sean Davis of The Federalist voiced a scathing critique, pointing to perceived contradictions between Kunce’s political stance and the incident.

Davis questioned the candidate’s credibility on gun safety with postings such as "Absolutely mind-blowing insanity…" and emphasized the potential dangers of firearms.

The usage of steel targets at close range encountered particular criticism, with users like Greg Price cautioning against practices that could cause harm. "Word of advice: If you don’t want somebody to get hit by shrapnel…" was a sentiment echoed by several commentators who questioned the safety measures in place.

Kunce, however, defended the operations conducted at the range, emphasizing the role of professional supervision. "Safety is important to us which is why the range was set up and run by a certified NRA training counselor," he explained to Fox News Digital, adding context to the purportedly responsible approach adopted during the event.

Candidate Responds to Criticisms

In response to some of the sharp critiques, Kunce offered a retort to Josh Hawley’s remarks by referencing a viral video of Hawley running during the Jan. 6 Capitol unrest. The exchange encapsulates the politically charged nature of the discussions surrounding the incident.

As the news spread, the event became a catalyst for broader debates about firearm safety, political integrity, and media interactions with political figures. The incident triggered discussions not just over safety standards but also about the appropriateness of such events during an ongoing campaign.

The political ramifications of this incident continue to unfold as stakeholders from various backgrounds weigh in on the implications for Kunce's campaign.

The timing and nature of the event serve as a reflective moment in the journey of the Senate hopeful as he navigates the complexities of public perception and political accountability.

Despite the unexpected turn of events, the campaign and associated individuals may need to focus on reinforcing safety protocols and addressing public concerns.

The incident remains a powerful reminder of the intersection between political ambition and public safety discourse amidst a diverse audience with varying expectations and concerns.