Reporter struck by shrapnel during Kinzinger and Lucas Kunce shooting range event

SUMMARY

During a campaign event in Holt, Missouri, hosted by former GOP Rep. Adam Kinzinger and Democratic Senate candidate Lucas Kunce, a reporter was injured when struck by shrapnel from a ricocheted bullet fragment. The incident occurred while Kunce was shooting AR-15s at targets, and KSHB 41 Reporter Ryan Gamboa sustained significant bleeding from an injury to his arm. Photos from the scene showed Kunce assisting Gamboa with a bandage, while Kinzinger appeared concerned nearby. Gamboa was taken to the hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries and discharged shortly after. Missouri Senator Josh Hawley, whom Kunce is campaigning to unseat, mocked the incident, stating, “I condemn all acts of violence against reporters and call on Kunce never to shoot another one,” along with several derisive posts. Kunce downplayed the accident in a post, stating, “Shrapnel can always fly when you hit a target like today, and you’ve got to be ready to go.”