The woman who was accidentally shot dead by her two-year-old son in an Idaho Walmart is described by those who knew her as a gun lover, a motivated academic and a successful nuclear research scientist.
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While shopping with her son and nieces in the store, Rutledge carried a loaded small-caliber handgun zippered in a pocket in her purse. The purse was a Christmas gift from her husband, Colt Rutledge, one designed specifically for concealed carry, the Washington Post reported.
Veronica Rutledge Idaho walmart Veronica Rutledge. Photograph: Facebook
“All the precautionary measures weren’t taken to ensure the safety of that weapon,” Miller said later.
Despite Miller’s comment, the Rutledges were reportedly experienced gun owners and shooters. Rutledge had a concealed carry permit, police said. She loved to hunt, shoot and camp, friends and family told the Washington Post.
http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/31/idaho-nuclear-scientist-shot-dead-son-walmartWell, duh. The proper precautionary measure when one is carrying a loaded gun on them would, at the very least, require it have a safety on, not to mention keeping it out of the reach of children.
If this tragedy should teach us anything it's that even people who think they're "responsible gun owners" screw up. When they do the reality is people can die from their mistake. It would appear this woman was intelligent, well educated and meant the legal requirements in Idaho to obtain a concealed carry permit, yet even she made mistakes which ultimately cost her her own life.
This was a 100% avoidable tragedy yet it won't be the last one of its kind, which is due largely to the irresponsibly relaxed attitudes many Americans currently have about guns.
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