Missouri Democratic Senate candidate Lucas Kunce found himself at the center of a shocking incident during a campaign event in Holt, Missouri, when a local reporter was injured by shrapnel after Kunce accidentally fired a rifle in the reporter’s direction. The event, held at a private residence about 40 miles northeast of Kansas City, was meant to be a casual meet-and-greet featuring rifle practice on a shooting range. However, the situation quickly turned dangerous when a bullet ricocheted, striking the reporter.
Ryan Gamboa, a reporter for KSHB 41 News, was on-site covering the event when the accident occurred. Gamboa was hit in the arm by what authorities later identified as metal shrapnel, though it remains unclear if it was from a ricocheted bullet or another fragment. The shooting incident took place while Kunce was firing an AR-15-style rifle at steel targets placed just 10 feet away—a hazardous and risky setup, even in controlled environments.
The unexpected turn of events prompted swift action from Kunce and others at the event. The Senate candidate immediately attended to the injured reporter, wrapping a bandage around Gamboa’s arm before emergency medical personnel arrived. Gamboa was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was treated for a non-life-threatening injury and later released.
KSHB 41 News, Gamboa’s employer, quickly released a statement following the incident, confirming that their reporter had been injured during the event. While details about the shooting remained sparse immediately after the accident, the news station reassured viewers that Gamboa was recovering well.
As news of the incident spread, social media erupted with reactions, many of which were critical of both Kunce and former Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger, who was also present at the event. Kinzinger, a well-known figure for his outspoken criticism of the Trump wing of the Republican Party, was there to campaign alongside Kunce in what was meant to showcase bipartisan cooperation. Instead, it became a public relations nightmare.
Critics, particularly from the right, pounced on the mishap. Abigail Jackson, a conservative commentator, was quick to mock the candidates on social media, drawing comparisons to other Democrats’ perceived incompetence with firearms. “Are these guys trying to make Tim Walz look competent with a gun?” Jackson quipped in a tweet that was widely shared. Her post featured a photo from the scene, along with a biting caption about the incident.
Others followed suit, lambasting both Kunce and Kinzinger for what many saw as a reckless display of gun handling. Critics honed in on the fact that the steel targets were placed at an extremely close distance of just 10 feet, a major safety violation in shooting ranges. Steel targets are known for causing dangerous ricochets when hit from close range, and Kunce’s decision to shoot from such a distance was called out as irresponsible by firearms experts.
While Kunce’s campaign quickly issued an apology and statement of concern for the injured reporter, the damage had been done in more ways than one. Political opponents wasted no time in using the accident as a talking point against the Senate hopeful. In a campaign already marked by fierce competition, the incident added an extra layer of scrutiny to Kunce’s candidacy.
“Lucas Kunce thought he had a great day out on the range after he shot someone!” one critic tweeted sarcastically, summing up the growing sentiment of disbelief surrounding the accident. Other political commentators pointed out that such incidents, even if accidental, could severely harm Kunce’s image, particularly as gun safety is a prominent issue in many political debates.
Despite the backlash, Kunce’s campaign tried to pivot by emphasizing his quick response to the accident and his immediate concern for Gamboa’s well-being. “Lucas Kunce acted quickly to assist the injured reporter and ensured that he received medical attention immediately. We are relieved that Ryan Gamboa is recovering well and remains in our thoughts,” read a statement from his campaign team.
However, the incident also raised broader questions about the presence of guns at campaign events. While many candidates across the political spectrum often participate in such events to appeal to pro-Second Amendment voters, the dangers associated with firearms can’t be ignored. Kunce’s campaign will likely face pressure to reconsider holding similar events in the future.
Though Kinzinger was not directly involved in the shooting, his presence at the event further fueled criticism from both political parties. As a former Republican congressman who has since become a vocal critic of his party, Kinzinger’s alignment with Kunce was seen as an odd pairing by some political observers. His role in the event only added fuel to the fire, with some commentators using the opportunity to criticize Kinzinger for his perceived political opportunism.
Kinzinger, who has remained relatively silent on social media about the incident, may also face repercussions for his association with the mishap. For now, his political future appears uncertain as he continues to navigate the challenging waters of post-Trump-era Republican politics.
The incident may not derail Kunce’s campaign entirely, but it has certainly left a mark. In the highly competitive Missouri Senate race, where every move is scrutinized, an accident like this can have lasting repercussions. As the campaign moves forward, Kunce will need to address the safety concerns raised by the incident and work to rebuild trust with both his supporters and the media.
For now, the focus remains on the recovery of Ryan Gamboa, who has expressed relief that his injury was not more severe. However, the ramifications of the shooting accident may reverberate long after Gamboa is fully healed.
Lucas Kunce thought he had a great day out on the range despite someone getting hurt:
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
Missouri Senator Josh Hawley mocked his opponent.
“I condemn all acts of violence against reporters and call on Kunce never to shoot another one,” Hawley said.
I condemn all acts of violence against reporters and call on Kunce never to shoot another one 😂😂😂
— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) October 23, 2024
Will Kamala condemn the gun violence by Kunce and Kinzinger?
— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) October 23, 2024
When liberals play with guns, people get hurt 🤡 pic.twitter.com/wb2Jte3pIf
— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) October 23, 2024
This aged well…
From 2021. This aged well. https://t.co/Amr1Zm2wbP
— Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) October 23, 2024
Most people who shoot other people in America are Democrats. They should not be permitted to own dangerous weapons.
Stupid liberals trying to emulate real Men, that’s why they want to take your guns away they think everyone is as stupid as they are
Kunce is a Dunce and Kinzinger is a RINO. These two clowns should call it a day and GO AWAY!
Who the hell in their right mind would want either of these two morons to be wielding power in Washington that often has multiple ricocheting deadly effects on us citizens and our entire nation?
I definitely, whole heartedly, kudize that emotion!
Hey Kunce, you hardly qualify to give ‘gun’ advise to anyone. Where did you ‘learn’ that shooting steel targets at almost spitting distance was a good idea? WORSE, check that pic of one of your, ‘nimrods,’ Kinzinger(?), fogging off his AR WITHOUT any eye protection, rather his ‘shooting glasses’ perched on his head, not eyes! ☠️
Only Democrats and RINOS barely know which end of the weapon the bullet comes out. ALL of them should never be allowed within spitting distance of ANY firearm. As is far too often said, in America today, “You Just Can’t Make This Schiff Up.”
This is bull crap, just because he is a sorry a=s scumbag demonRAT, he can shoot somebody but just accident.
Its ok to be an idiot, to shoot a gun and hit someone at an event: As long as you respond quickly to handle the injury.
yeah. Right.
Sorry boys, there is NO coming back from being “stupid”. You don’t get my vote.
“we” should all shoot one demon-rat each… then yell ” sorry, MY BAD”
Just another incompetent, moronic Democrat. No wonder they want gun control. I will give him one thing, at least he could load the weapon.
A good argument for preventing liberals from having weapons.
Well too damn bad that Dick Chaney wasn’t there since George Bush shot him the face during a bird hunt, Dick Chaney is used to getting shot by a Communist Traitor Democrat or Rino like G.W. Bush.
EXACTLY why the mentally unstable are NOT to have firearms. ALL demon-rats are a threat to other citizens. They must go !
What kind if an idiot uses a AR 15 type assault rifle and shoots at a steel target 10′ away. I am betting with my glasses on I could hit a target that close by shooting from my hip.