Toddler Shot by Mother’s Gun in Miss. Emergency Room

Mother had gun in her purse despite weapons not being allowed in the hospital.

A 2-year-old toddler was shot in a Jackson, Miss., emergency room when her mother’s gun, which was in her purse, went off.

The incident occurred April 13 at Merit Health Central hospital. The woman dropped her purse while she was standing next to a vending machine. The gun discharged, and the bullet ricocheted off of the vending machine, grazing the child’s face, reports the Clarion Ledger.

RELATED: Negligent Discharges: A Real Risk If We Allow Guns on Campus

The toddler’s injuries were not life-threatening.

Weapons are prohibited at Merit Health Central, and the hospital is saying the gun’s discharge was accidental.

The incident is currently being investigated.

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