‘It’s horrifying’: Advocates urge gun safety after 12-year-old injured in accidental shooting

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A 12-year-old girl is fighting for her life after Richmond Police said she was possibly shot on accident by a 15-year-old family member in Richmond early Monday morning.

It's prompting gun violence prevention advocates, like volunteers with Richmond Moms Demand Action, to speak out.

"It’s absolutely horrifying," said Erin Beard, a Moms Demand Action volunteer. "You read too many of these in the news."

The incident happened on Monday, Aug. 4 at around 1:30 a.m. on Admiral Gravely Boulevard, where officers responded to reports of a shooting and found the girl with a gunshot wound.

Richmond Police said the girl was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. The 15-year-old boy was detained at the scene and was charged with reckless handling of a firearm and possession of a firearm by a minor. Authorities have not said where the gun came from.

"We, on average, have about 120 unintentional shootings per year, nationally," Beard said. "That family is absolutely in my prayers and thoughts."

Kat Oros, another Richmond-based volunteer with Moms Demand Action and a gun owner herself, said gun owners need to take responsibility when it comes to storage.

"Even if it was an accident, this child had access to a loaded weapon," Oros said. "If you have a firearm, it is your responsibility to secure it. If you have children in your home, if you have any guests at all in your home, it is your responsibility to make sure that it's secured and locked away."

A spokesperson for Richmond Police said the department distributes free gun safes to Richmond residents. To request a free gun safe, call 804-516-0451.

As police continue to investigate, anyone with information is asked to call Major Crimes Detective S. Brown at 804-646-6456.