An Oklahoma lawmaker who authored pro-gun legislation assumed responsibility for an accidental shooting that left a fellow hunter with a minor injury, The Oklahoman reported Thursday.
State Rep. Steve Vaughan (R) was shooting pheasant with a 12-gauge shotgun when another hunter, Drew Ihrig, was struck in the side of the head with a shotgun pellet. The incident took place last month, according to the Oklahoman.
“A bird got up and flew between us, oh, probably 50 yards away,” Vaughan told the newspaper. “I shot at the bird and, I guess, one of my BBs hit this guy.”
“I just felt horrible about it,” he added. “I just was sick.”
Ihrig, for his part, told the Oklahoman that he held “no ill will” and only sustained a minor injury.
Vaughan authored legislation in 2011 that expanded business owners’ and their employees’ right to use deadly force when they have reason to fear for their life or significant bodily harm, according to the Oklahoma, .in addition to a bill that created an annual “Second Amendment Day” in the state.
Image via Oklahoma House / Steve Vaughan
