Florida teen shoots 4-year-old, tries to wash gunpowder off

An 18-year-old Florida man was handling a loaded gun while lying in bed when it discharged, striking a 4-year-old boy in the chest and killing him instantly, authorities said. The teenager, whose name has not been released, was taken into custody Sunday night after reportedly sending a text message that read, “How to get gunpowder off you,” followed by a video of himself washing his hands. Investigators say he tried to wash away evidence before police arrived at the scene in Polk County, east of Tampa.

This incident highlights Florida’s long-standing debate over gun safety and child access prevention laws. Florida has no statewide requirement that guns be stored locked away from children, despite multiple high-profile shootings involving minors. The state legislature has repeatedly rejected “child-access prevention” bills, leaving local jurisdictions to set their own rules. In Polk County, where this shooting occurred, there are no specific storage laws, meaning guns can be left loaded and accessible in bedrooms. Advocacy groups say the absence of such laws increases the risk of unintentional shootings, which are the second-leading cause of death among American children.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the teen and the 4-year-old were relatives staying in the same home. The boy, who has not been publicly identified, was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators said the teen told them he was handling the firearm to show it to the child when it accidentally fired. They also found a second loaded handgun under a pillow, raising concerns about multiple unsecured weapons in the home. The teenager faces charges including manslaughter and evidence tampering. His bond is set at $250,000.

The shooting comes as Florida lawmakers consider a package of gun safety bills, including one that would require safe storage of firearms in homes with children. Governor Ron DeSantis has not taken a public position on the measure, but similar laws have passed in states like New York and California. The outcome of this case could influence future legislative debates. Meanwhile, the boy’s family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the teen and the homeowner, seeking damages for the loss of their child. The case is expected to raise broader questions about gun access and responsibility in Florida households.