A 21-year-old Nebraska man remains in critical condition after accidentally shooting himself in the leg while handling a newly purchased handgun outside a sporting goods store on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Lincoln Police Department.
The incident occurred just after 1:00 p.m. in the parking lot in front of Scheels in Lincoln, Nebraska. Authorities reported that the man had purchased a 9mm pistol inside the retail store shortly before the shooting occurred.
Investigators determined the man was filming a video in the parking lot shortly after exiting the store. While demonstrating how to handle and rack the firearm for the video, the gun accidentally discharged, striking him in the leg.
Emergency crews responded immediately following 911 calls reporting a gunshot victim outside the retailer. Lincoln Police Lt. Justin Armstrong stated that responding officers found the young man suffering from a gunshot wound in the parking lot. Lincoln Police Public Information Manager Erika Thomas confirmed that first responders quickly applied a tourniquet to curb life-threatening blood loss and performed CPR on scene before paramedics transported him to a nearby hospital.
The victim underwent emergency surgery and was reported in critical condition. Police confirmed no shoppers or bystanders were injured during the discharge, and investigators have ruled the incident purely accidental.
The shooting has drawn local attention to gun handling safety in commercial spaces. Law enforcement officials reminded the public to treat every firearm as if it is loaded, avoid unholstering weapons in public parking areas, and strictly follow firearm safety procedures when handling newly acquired equipment.
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