REMEMBERING 9/11

Watch live - World Trade Center site ceremony remembering those lost on 9/11

Newark toddler fights for his life after accidentally shooting himself

The incident happened inside a home on Wainwright Street Thursday evening. The neighborhood is still shaken up about 24 hours after the incident.

Matt Trapani and Tom Krosnowski

Aug 16, 2024, 9:47 AM

Updated 25 days ago

Share:

A 3-year-old boy remains in critical condition after accidentally shooting himself with a gun Thursday evening in Newark.
The incident happened inside a home on Wainwright Street. The neighborhood is still shaken up about 24 hours after the incident.
One longtime resident told News 12 that there are often children around and it’s usually one of the quieter sections of the city.
According to Newark police, the shooting happened just before 6 p.m. Thursday. The boy was home with two other children when that gun fired. The other two children were not hurt, according to police.
A local shop owner told News 12 that the victim’s brother came into his store to call 911. There was blood visible on his shirt.
It is unclear how the 3-year-old got his hands on the gun.
A neighbor says this should make gun owners - especially those with children - stress safety.
“They don’t know how serious it is to shoot a gun… Sit down with your children and explain to them what you have and what you have it for and how serious it is, and that it’s not a toy, it’s not a plaything,” says Craig Wingate.
There is also no word on possible charges. State law requires guns to be stored unloaded, in a gun safe or locked container. Ammunition must be kept separate.