Kunce Faces Scrutiny After Campaign Shooting Incident

During a campaign event for Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Lucas Kunce in Missouri, a bullet fragment from an AR-15 struck TV reporter Ryan Gamboa, causing a minor injury. Kunce, a former Marine, administered first aid by using his belt as a tourniquet, after which Gamboa continued his assignment and later received hospital treatment. The incident, occurring at a shooting range event with former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, drew social media reactions from Kunce's opponent, Republican Sen. Josh Hawley, who jokingly condemned the act. Criticism arose over the shooting setup, citing the dangers of firing at metal targets from a short distance. The Illinois State Rifle Association offered free safety classes to Kunce and Kinzinger following the incident. Kunce is challenging Hawley in a state where Democrats have struggled to win statewide offices recently.