Journalists from the Kansas City Star raised legal concerns about a photo op in which Lucas Kunce, the Democratic nominee for the Missouri Senate, fired a bullet that injured an individual.

Former Congressman Adam Kinzinger and Democratic MO Senate nominee Lucas Kunce held an event where there were numerous safety concerns. Kunce was too close to the targets, and when he fired his rifle, metal fragments flew off the metal target, striking a reporter in the arm.

Great day at the range today with my friend @AdamKinzinger . 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… pic.twitter.com/Qu4YxfrtrU

— Lucas Kunce (@LucasKunceMO) October 23, 2024

Journalists Daniel Desrochers and Jonathan Shorman examined court records and found that Chad Everett Downs, who claimed to have set up the event, was facing felony charges. However, the current status of the case remains unclear. The issue is a felon is prohibited from owning a firearm, and “His ex-wife in a court filing earlier this month alleged the man owns or has access to guns in violation of his bond conditions.”

Downs claimed to be a firearm training counselor, and according to his reported statements, he was involved in setting up the range and owned the guns.

So Kunce’s stunt at the fake gun range – where he shot the reporter – was organized by a criminal? Who is not supposed to have access to firearms? What is going on here pic.twitter.com/TrNmMS7Cup

— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) October 24, 2024

In a written statement, Kunce said, “I was grateful for the opportunity to talk to union workers about our freedoms at the range,” “Safety is important to us which is why the range was set up and run by a NRA Training Counselor. But any time you are handling weapons, you need to be prepared. We acted quickly and I’m glad the reporter was okay and able to keep reporting.”

Kunce’s campaign did not share the name of the NRA training counselor, but Downs told The Star that he was the counselor.

From the Star: “Before the event, Downs spoke with a Star photojournalist, saying that the range was his but that the event was taking place at his neighbor’s residence. Downs said he lived “across the way” and said his neighbor allows him to shoot on the property. He showed The Star firearms that were on the table that belonged to him.

Missouri court records show that Downs was charged with 17 counts of felony perjury in August. He has been issued a criminal summons and waived his preliminary hearing. His ex-wife, in a court filing earlier this month, alleged the man owns or has access to guns in violation of his bond conditions. Downs said there are no restrictions on his firearm ownership or possession.”

“The allegations of perjury involve statements Downs made in a felony child abuse case, according to a probable cause affidavit.”

When The Star called the Ray County Circuit Clerk’s Office, the person who answered said the case had been dismissed. After a reporter identified himself, a voice was heard in the background instructing the person not to speak, saying, “That is not an open record.”

Downs asked The Star to contact his defense attorney, but the person who answered the phone said they couldn’t comment.

Kunce’s campaign did not respond to questions about Downs.

Source: Was The Person Who Supplied the Guns for Kinzinger – Kunce a Prohibited Person