LYNNWOOD—A 17-year-old accidentally shot himself while handling a firearm without parental supervision at a Lynnwood residence on Thursday, February 6.
According to Lynnwood Police, on February 6, 2025, at approximately 11 p.m., they responded to an assault with a weapon call in the 19900 block of 56th Ave W. Officers were advised that one person had been shot.
Upon arrival, officers learned that a group of juveniles had been hanging out together with no parental supervision at the residence. One of the juveniles brought a firearm inside of the residence and began passing the firearm around.
According to witnesses on scene, a 17-year-old juvenile, accidentally discharged the firearm shooting himself. The 17-year-old juvenile victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
This is an isolated incident, and it is currently under investigation. Police has been in contact with the school district and the district will be providing resources to the school community.
The 12 Golden rules for Safe Gun Handling
Guns are dangerous when they are not handled or used properly and can easily injure or kill you, and those around you. There are no second chances with a gun and the rules for safe gun handling must always be followed to avoid accidents. Below are 12 Golden rules for Safe Gun Handling by Washington Gun Law:
- Always treat the gun as loaded.
- Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
- Always keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
- Always keep the gun unloaded until you are ready to use it.
- Never point the gun at anything you don’t intend to destroy.
- Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
- Learn the mechanical and handling characteristics of the gun you are using.
- Always use proper Ammunition.
- Be sure the barrel is clear of obstructions before loading and shooting.
- If your gun fails to fire when the trigger is pulled, hold your shooting position for several seconds; then with the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, carefully unload the gun.
- Don’t rely on the gun’s safety to keep it from firing.
- Be aware of your surroundings when handling guns so you don’t trip or lose your balance and accidentally point and/or fire the gun at anyone or anything.
Author: Mario Lotmore
