Accidental shootings at gun shows rose to 5 on 'Gun Appreciation Day'

GlobalPost

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. 

Sign up for our daily newsletter

Sign up for The Top of the World, delivered to your inbox every weekday morning.