A Florida mother faces manslaughter charges after her 2-year-old son accidentally shot and killed his father with an unsecured handgun, spotlighting the risks of firearm exposure for children. Authorities say Marie Ayala, 26, failed to properly store a Glock pistol, leading to the tragedy as her spouse played a video game.
New data reveals U.S. gun ownership surged in recent years, exposing 11 million people—including 5 million children—to firearms at home. A 2021 study by the American Academy of Pediatrics linked pandemic-era gun ownership spikes to rising rates of child injuries and fatalities involving firearms.
In Los Angeles, residents expressed shock and concern. \"Kids might know how to pull the trigger but not understand the consequences,\" one person told reporters. Another added: \"Guns hurt more than they protect.\" Advocates argue stricter storage laws and public education could prevent similar incidents as debates over household firearm risks intensify nationwide.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
