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By Billal Rahman
Immigration Reporter
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A TV news reporter was struck by a bullet fragment Tuesday at a shooting range during a campaign event for a Democratic senate candidate, who administered first aid to the journalist.
Missouri senate candidate Lucas Kunce was at a private residence near Holt, north of Kansas City, with former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger when the incident occurred, The Kansas City Star reported*.*
The Democrat was shooting an AR-15 at the time when a bullet fragment appeared to have ricocheted off a target and injured the reporter, KSHB-TV's Ryan Gamboa. Kunce was the only person shooting when the injury occurred, according to the outlet.
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Kunce, who spent 13 years in the Marines, wrapped gauze and his belt around the reporter's arm to help stop the bleeding. The wound was later wrapped with medical tape.
Gamboa remained at the range and continued on his assignment. He was later taken to the hospital to be treated for the injury.
"You never know what's going to happen—shrapnel can ricochet off anything, and you've got to be prepared," Kunce said in a statement to The Kansas City Star.
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Kunce also addressed the incident in a post on X, formerly Twitter: "Great day at the range today with my friend Adam Kinzinger. 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 aid kits, so we were able to take care of the situation, and I'm glad Ryan is okay and was able to continue reporting."
His Republican opponent, Senator Josh Hawley, said in a post on X: "I know the Kunce campaign needed a shot in the arm, but this is taking it a little far."
In a follow-up post on social media, Hawley said: "I condemn all acts of violence against reporters and call on Kunce never to shoot another one."
In response to Hawley's remarks, Kinzinger, an Illinois Republican, said on X: "Josh is such a dork. What about the police on Jan 6? Condemn those acts of violence? Also, the reporter is fine, and it was a fragment. Guess you don't know how that all works."
Kunce shared a video on social media of Hawley fleeing during the riot at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, and claimed it was the last time the senator saw a gun.
Kunce has showcased his guns and highlighted his military experience in campaign ads. The marine veteran previously served two tours in Afghanistan and one in Iraq.
The shooting comes 13 days before election day, as Kunce trails his GOP opponent in polls.
Recent Emerson College and The Hill polls show that Hawley is leading Kunce 51 percent to 40 percent.
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