Unintended Discharge, no finger on trigger

[awshoot]

Interesting video of a police officer's rifle discharging while the officer was running -- at the moment of discharge he isn't even holding the pistol grip on the rifle and his hand is well away from the trigger. Maybe something caught the trigger? Maybe the rifle was just worn out and the jostling triggered it? Anyway, I thought it was an interesting video and it happened here in WA, so:

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[Crohnos01]

I'll be... All this time I thought it was people using guns to kill people... maybe this one really WOULD jump up and shoot someone on it's own

 

[Certaindeaf]

Ghost gun.

 

[Stomper]

Welp.... That's EXACTLY why you point them thangs at something/someone you don't intend to kill or destroy.....

 

[UnionMillsNW]

His trigger was probably caught on a button or something in his pocket.

Although (judging only by the short video) I don't believe he should be reprimanded in any serious way (besides remedial training) it is still a negligent discharge.

There are five simple firearm safety rules.

1. Treat every weapon as if it were loaded (he did this)
2. Never point your weapon at anything you do not intend to shoot (he did this)
3. Keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you are ready to fire (he did this)
4. Keep your weapon on safe until you intend to fire (it appears he did not do this)
5. Know your target and what is beyond (N/A in this situation)

It only takes one small mistake. Perhaps it was an actual weapons malfunction. But I'd bet dollars to donuts that his weapon was on "fire" and it became snagged in his uniform.

 

[Boboclown]

Maybe its trying to compete with Sig.

 

[P7M13]

It was the fault of the Deadman switch on his pistol grip!

 

[Andy54Hawken]

Something I learned long ago when starting out giving talks on and displaying my antique firearms...
Always clear the firearm and do a function check on the firearm before using.

Please note that I was taught from a young age to always clear a firearm before anything...
And yes , I know that in many situations Law Enforcement Officers find themselves in it may be impossible to clear and function check a firearm before using...The above suggestion was meant as a general rule for those not in a emergency situation.
Andy

 

[JustSomeGuy]

My guess is a combination failing to engage the safety when his hand left the pistol grip and the trigger snagging on something. If that's the case, 100% negligent discharge.

 

[osprey]

Why was the safety off? Trigger probably caught on something
On vest. Neg discharge.

 

[KKG]

I know that in many situations Law Enforcement Officers find themselves in it may be impossible to clear and function check a firearm before using...
Andy

More Excellent advice from a man who knows at 0541 hours!!!

Mike

 

[Mr Smith]

definitely caught on something on his vest. Negligent discharge.

Rifle was rubbing up against that table muscle and likely his vest or a button on his shirt caught the trigger as you can watch the rifle move downward just before the discharge which would have pulled the trigger.

 

[Alexx1401]

Video is hard to see well but my guess would be the same as others have said. He must have left the safety off, and then with all the bouncing while running some of his gear caught the trigger. He is VERY lucky the round did not harm anyone.

 

[titsonritz]

Retired the weapon, lame.

 

[DirectDrive]

That video has been making the rounds.
He must have taken the rifle off safe and then his gear snagged the trigger.

 

[oli700]

Incompetent gun , guns getting old better retire it ...... someone give this idiot another gun

 

[Lazyfaire]

Obviously he has a bump stock on it!!

 

[revjen45]

"He is VERY lucky the round did not harm anyone."
True dat. However, if it had, there would have been no repercussions more serious than remedial safety training and a boiler plate form in his HR file.
Only one = no harm, no foul.

 

[Caveman Jim]

Negligent discharge. Bailiff, whack his pep pee!!!

 

[edzz]

I'd bet the safety was not on, why not.
I'd vote that the trigger snagged on something on his chest, with safety off.
Officer didn't even look to see if anyone was injured.
Hardly seemed to notice the discharge.
Tunnel vision.
Rifle "retired" aka destroyed, likely to prevent further inspection in case of negligence investigation or civil suit by the two guys that were endangered or harmed by negligent discharge. Hearing loss / emotional trauma.
I wonder if mention of this incident is still in the officers jacket.