Dad Sticks Up for Guns on Facebook Hours After Toddler Shoots Himself
Just hours after Brian Holbrook's 3-year-old son fatally shot himself with a gun that was improperly stored inside a bedroom closet, the Michigan dad took to his Facebook page to affirm his continued support for guns.
Police in Dundee say the toddler was wandering around his own home when he stumbled upon the gun inside a case on the floor of an unlocked bedroom closet.
The weapon, which belongs to Joshua Michael Greenhill, a family friend who had been living at Holbrook's two-story residence, was reportedly loaded, and had a bullet in the chamber.
Three other children, including Holbrook's two other children and Greenhill's son, were inside the home when Damon accidentally shot himself in the head.
Holbrook posted a status update to Facebook a short while after Damon was pronounced dead, saying he and the rest of the family are "all hoping to wake up from this nightmare."
Nonetheless, he stressed that the incident did not change his attitude toward gun ownership.
"I have nothing wrong with guns it's with (sic) this country was built on," Holbrook wrote. "I will still support the Second Amendment."
"All I ask," Holbrook continued, "is that everyone please, please safety first lock it up and put it out of reach of anyone that has no business being around a gun especially kids."
Greenhill was arrested and charged with Careless Discharge Of Firearm, a crime punishable by up to 2 years in prison or a $2000 fine.
Police Chief David Uhl said additional charges were likely forthcoming.
