A tragic incident unfolded in East Nashville where an 8-year-old boy was fatally shot after finding and playing with a loaded gun. According to the WSMV, the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) is currently investigating the shooting death of the child that occurred on Saturday night.
The young victim, identified as Phillip’e Woodard, was with his 10-year-old brother and a 16-year-old family friend when the incident happened. The teens were left alone at their grandmother's home on North 2nd Street. The FOX 17 report details that the 16-year-old was asleep when the shooting occurred. Upon hearing a gun go off, he discovered the situation and sought help from neighbors.
Law enforcement officials reported that the children found the shotgun in an attic, unaware that it was loaded. MNPD further stated, "the boy was playing with a loaded gun when he accidentally shot himself," as WJHL cites. Following the incident, Woodard was taken to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, where he succumbed to his injuries.
This incident marks the third accidental shooting death involving a child in the Metropolitan Nashville area in 2024. MNPD has emphasized the importance of gun safety and has made gun locks available for free at all precincts, aiming to prevent further such tragedies. Cities across the state, including Nashville, provide these free cable locks, according to police statements.
The discourse around gun safety has been reignited, with Nashville Councilman Jordan Huffman publicly questioning, "When do we say enough is enough and criminalize irresponsible storage of firearms?" as mentioned in the same FOX 17 report. As the case progresses, MNPD will hand over its findings to the district attorney for a thorough review.
