An infant was shot and killed during a vehicle incident involving children outside the Audie L. Murphy VA Medical Center in San Antonio. San Antonio Police Chief William McManus provided details, stating a woman was with a 3-year-old, a 2-year-old, and a 10-month-old baby in a parked SUV. A gun was found in the vehicle and one of the older children picked it up, discharging the weapon which fatally wounded the infant, reported KENS 5.
During the incident, a bystander, Jimmy Soto, managed to quickly grasp the gravity of the situation. "I think people shouldn't have guns in the car with kids like that because it's dangerous," Soto told KENS 5. He highlighted the risk of keeping firearms within easy reach of children, a point supported by authorities. San Antonio law enforcement stated that the incident could have been avoided if basic safety measures had been taken to secure the gun.
On the investigation's front, authorities have yet to determine who owned the firearm and no charges have been filed at the time, as per KSAT. The Bexar County Medical Examiner's office later identified the victim as Khamari Khols Lang, although a cause and manner of death were not immediately available. Further details regarding the woman's relationship to the children and her location during the shooting have not been disclosed.
In response to this and similar incidents, the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) reiterated the importance of firearms safety. "This tragedy and any tragedy like this are 100% preventable," Sgt. Washington Moscoso stressed to KENS 5. He advised gun owners to always securely lock away their firearms, particularly in vehicles, to prevent unauthorized access by children. Additionally, SAPD provides free gun locks and boxes at SAFFE offices throughout the city, aiming to reduce the likelihood of accidental shootings.
The South Texas Veterans Health Care System, which manages the facility where the tragedy unfolded, expressed its condolences and reassured the community of the hospital's commitment to safety. They deferred further comments to the ongoing police investigation. The facility remains operational and continues to serve veterans and staff.
