A six-year-old boy lost his life after being shot in the head by a nine-year-old boy in Florida.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s office confirmed the devastating news, revealing that the young victim was rushed to the hospital on Monday.
The boy succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.
Police at a crime scene. Source| CNN
Authorities have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident. While an adult was present at the time of the shooting, their relationship to the children and the events leading up to the fatal incident remain unclear.
However, authorities have not indicated any immediate signs of criminal intent or violence. Although, according to Gun Violence Archive data, 1,114 children under the age of 17 have lost their lives due to gun violence this year alone.
Additionally, an alarming 3,065 children have been injured as a result of gun-related incidents. These figures have surged past the number of children killed or injured in car accidents.
The impact of gun violence on young lives has become increasingly worrisome. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), gun violence accounted for a staggering 19% of deaths among children and teenagers in 2021.
The CDC’s database reveals that a shocking 3,600 children lost their lives in gun-related incidents that year. Thus positioning firearms as one of the top four causes of mortality among children in the United States. A distinction that sets the U.S. apart from its peers globally.
The focus remains on advocating for sensible firearm legislation, responsible gun ownership, and comprehensive safety education. This is to ensure that children are shielded from the dangers of gun violence, both accidental and intentional.
