In an alarming and tragic incident in Denton, Neb., a wedding officiant’s celebratory gesture went wrong. Michael Gardner, the officiant and uncle of the groom, intended to signal the commencement of the outdoor wedding ceremony by shooting a blank from a revolver. This gesture, however, led to panic as he accidentally shot his 12-year-old grandson in the shoulder.
Gardner, 62, of Odessa, Tex., had loaded the Pietta 1860 snub-nose revolver, which he had borrowed, with a homemade blank sealed with glue. In a conversation with The Washington Post, Gardner admitted to regretting his decision, saying, “It’s hard knowing you hurt somebody that you love more than life.” He added that the gun’s inclusion in the wedding was meant to “summon the bride.”
Thankfully, the injuries sustained by the boy were not life-threatening, as confirmed by Ben Houchin, chief deputy of the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office in Nebraska. Houchin also highlighted Gardner’s dangerous choice by sealing the blank with glue, stating it was a “horrible, horrible idea” and likely the cause of the injury.
The incident has placed Gardner, an elected Republican official serving as a commissioner in Ector County, Tex., since 2021, under legal scrutiny. After turning himself in, he now faces charges of felony child abuse committed negligently, leading to serious bodily injury. If convicted, he might serve up to three years in prison, pay a $10,000 fine, or both, according to Nebraska state law.
Houchin added that in his long career, he had never encountered such an incident involving a homemade blank. Gardner’s decision to use glue as a sealant for the gunpowder was heavily criticized. On the contrary, Gardner stated he had chosen a homemade blank to avoid a loud bang.
Gardner completed the ceremony despite the disturbing accident, leaving the bride unaware. The boy, showing resilience, initially refused to leave the scene, expressing that he was fine. Gardner later accompanied his grandson to the hospital.
Reflecting on the unfortunate event, Gardner understood that this could potentially jeopardize his political career. Still, he emphasized his responsibility in acknowledging the consequences.
The boy, among Gardner’s 20 grandchildren and a passionate baseball, hunting, and fishing lover, is recovering in Odessa. The newlyweds conveyed their distress over the incident but remained supportive of their family.
While the intention behind the gesture was to celebrate love and union, it serves as a grim reminder of the unpredictability of firearms, even when believed to be safe. Gardner’s reflection on the incident is a sombre testament to the fragility of life, stating, “God wasn’t surprised by what happened that day. He made sure things were taken care of. He knew what we were going to need that day.”