A young child has died following a self-inflicted gunshot wound at a Fort Worth apartment complex Saturday evening, authorities confirmed. The tragedy unfolded when the child gained access to a firearm that had not been properly secured.
Fort Worth police were dispatched to the Patriot Pointe Apartments located in the 2100 block of Revolutionary Way at approximately 7:45 p.m. after reports of a shooting came in. Officers arrived to find a child believed to be between 2 and 5 years old suffering from a gunshot wound.
Emergency responders immediately rendered aid at the scene before the child was transported to a nearby hospital. Despite medical efforts, the child did not survive.
Preliminary findings from investigators indicate the shooting took place outside near a patio area of the apartment complex. Only one adult was present at the location when the incident occurred.
Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding how the child was able to reach the unsecured weapon. No arrests have been publicly announced as the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Firearm safety advocates have long stressed the critical importance of storing guns in locked safes or with trigger locks especially in homes or spaces where young children are present. Texas law requires that individuals who negligently store a firearm in a way that allows a child under 17 to access it can face criminal charges under the state’s safe storage statute.
This incident marks yet another devastating reminder of the deadly consequences that can result when firearms are left within reach of young children.
