Reporter is hit by shrapnel at the shooting range, Democrat provides first aid

A television reporter was hit by bullet fragments at a shooting range on Tuesday during a campaign rally for a Democratic Senate candidate who was administering first aid to the journalist.

Missouri Senate candidate Lucas Kunce was with former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger at a private home near Holt, north of Kansas City, when the incident occurred. The Kansas City Star reported.

The Democrat was firing an AR-15 when a bullet fragment apparently ricocheted off a target, injuring KSHB-TV reporter Ryan Gamboa. According to the outlet, Kunce was the only person firing when the injury occurred.

Kunce, who spent 13 years in the Marines, wrapped gauze and his belt around the reporter's arm to stop the bleeding. The wound was later wrapped with medical tape.

Gamboa remained at the shooting range and continued his mission. He was later taken to hospital to be treated for his injury.

“You never know what will happen – shrapnel can ricochet off anything and you have to be prepared,” Kunce said in a statement The Kansas City Star.

Kunce opened up in a post

“Always keep your first aid kit handy. Shrapnel can fly whenever you hit a target like today, and you have to be ready to go. We had four first aid kits so we could take care of the situation. and I’m glad Ryan is doing well and was able to continue reporting.”

His Republican opponent, Sen. Josh Hawley, said in a post on X, “I know the Kunce campaign needed a shot in the arm, but this is going a little too far.”

In a follow-up post on social media, Hawley said, “I condemn all acts of violence against reporters and urge Kunce to never shoot one again.”

In response to Hawley's comments, Kinzinger, a Republican from Illinois, said on I guess you don't know how this all works.

Kunce shared a video on social media of Hawley's escape during the riots at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, claiming it was the last time the senator saw a gun.

Kunce has shown off his weapons and highlighted his military experience in campaign ads. The Marine veteran previously served two tours in Afghanistan and one in Iraq.

The shooting occurred 13 days before Election Day, as Kunce was trailing his Republican opponent in polls.

Recent polls from Emerson College and The Hill show Hawley leading Kunce 51 percent to 40 percent.