Accidental shootings at gun shows rose to 5 on ‘Gun Appreciation Day’
DALLAS, TX – JANUARY 19: Second Amendment supporter and gun enthusiast Derek Ringley displays an unloaded shotgun that was being sold in an impromptu auction across the street from a gun buy back program at the First Presbyterian Church of Dallas on January 19, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. President Barack Obama recently unveiled a package of gun control proposals that include universal background checks and bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.
At least five people were injured in accidental shootings at gun shows as pro-gun supporters celebrated 'gun appreciation day' on Saturday.
The biggest incident took place at North Carolina's Dixie Gun and Knife Show where three people were injured after gunfire rang when a 12-gauge shotgun accidentally discharged when the owner presented the gun to be checked at a security point.
Joel Keith, chief of police of the North Carolina State Fair, told CNN that a 54-year-old woman was being treated at a local hospital for a wound to her right torso and a 50-year-old man was treated for an injured left hand.
A sheriff's deputy was also injured in the hand but was treated and released at a local hospital.
Witness Daniel Peadan told local NBC station WNCN that he heard a loud pop by the entrance to the fair, "The people right there at the door, a lot of them ran … They scattered because it was chaotic."
More from GlobalPost: 'Guns Across America' pro-gun rallies kick off in 49 states
Two others were injured at gun shows in Ohio and Indiana as rallies were held in 49 states to celebrate 'Guns Across America'.
Pro-gun enthusiasts held the rallies in response to the White House's recent pushes for tighter gun control in the wake of a series of horrifying shootings, including the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut where 20 children and 6 adults were killed.
In Ohio, one man is in stable condition in the hospital after being shot by his business partner at a gun show, said Medina police Chief Patrick Berarducci.
CNN reports that the original owner of the Taurus semi-automatic 9 mm handgun used in the shooting brought the firearm into the show fully loaded.
In Indianapolis, state police said a 54-year-old man was loading his .45 caliber semi-automatic gun when he shot himself in the hand, reports NBC.
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