MIAMI, FL – A 3-year-old girl in Florida accidentally shot herself with a handgun during a family gathering to watch a football game. The incident occurred when a relative, Orlando Young, 23, left his firearm unattended on the couch while celebrating a touchdown.
The toddler, identified as Serenity, found the gun and accidentally discharged it, injuring her hand. The dangerous shooting incident was caught on video, which showed the immediate aftermath of the gunfire. Serenity’s grandmother, Robin Fuller, described the horrifying moment, stating that it appeared as if Serenity was about to pick up the gun when it went off, with the bullet passing through her finger.
Fuller, who was not present at the time of the incident, was alerted by a phone call and immediately contacted the police. She revealed that Serenity was supposed to be under the supervision of her other grandmother, who was not visible in the video footage.
Young, who is related to Serenity, told the police that he had prepared breakfast for the toddler and was looking after her. He admitted to leaving his gun unattended on the couch due to his excitement over a touchdown, according to the police report.
Upon hearing the gunshot, Young found Serenity with a bleeding hand. The toddler was rushed to Homestead Hospital and later transferred to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital for surgery. Doctors are working to save her injured finger, hoping to restore blood flow.
Serenity has since been discharged from the hospital and is reportedly in good spirits, according to her grandmother.