Missouri Senate candidate Lucas Kunce finds himself under investigation after a campaign event involving live firearms ended with a journalist injured by shrapnel.

The incident, which took place during a private gathering featuring Kunce and former GOP Congressman Adam Kinzinger, has raised a host of concerns about the safety and ethics of campaign events involving live shooting demonstrations.

Kunce and Kinzinger were reportedly firing AR-15 rifles at close-range steel targets when Ryan Gamboa, a reporter, sustained injuries from what is believed to be either shrapnel or a bullet fragment.

Kunce attempted to manage the fallout through social media, posting on his X account that the day was a “great opportunity” to connect with local union workers, highlighting the availability of first-aid kits and downplaying the severity of the incident by noting that “shrapnel can always fly” in such settings. However, Kunce’s comments faced criticism online, with users pointing out the potential dangers of shooting at close-range steel and the presence of tannerite explosives nearby.

Great day at the range today with my friend @AdamKinzinger. We got to hang out with some union workers while exercising our freedom. Always have your first aid kit handy. Shrapnel can always fly when you hit a target like today, and you’ve got to be ready to go. We had four first… pic.twitter.com/Qu4YxfrtrU

— Lucas Kunce (@LucasKunceMO) October 23, 2024

Adding to the scrutiny, Kunce did not report the incident to local authorities until two days later, only notifying the Clinton County Sheriff after inquiries from The Daily Wire surfaced. His delayed response prompted questions about legal compliance, with Missouri law requiring prompt reporting of any injury caused by firearms.

Missouri Senator Josh Hawley, who Kunce is aiming to unseat, quickly seized on the situation, questioning Kunce’s adherence to Missouri law and using the incident as a campaign talking point. Speaking at a rally, Hawley remarked, “I promise you I will not shoot you, no matter how many tough questions you ask me,” drawing laughs from the crowd as he emphasized the risks of Kunce’s handling of firearms at close range.

Kunce’s response to the incident included administering first aid, using gauze and his belt to stop the bleeding, but the optics of the delay and the event’s setup have cast a shadow over his campaign. Kinzinger’s involvement, given his controversial stance against former President Trump, has also fueled criticism from the conservative base. The Clinton County Sheriff’s department confirmed an ongoing investigation but withheld further details.

Serious question. Missouri law *requires* any person who causes injury with a firearm to file a report with law enforcement immediately. Did Lucas Kunce do that? Failure to do so is a crime 👇 pic.twitter.com/GF6q2dLYMz

— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) October 23, 2024