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Firearms trainer discusses impact of gun safety after girl dies in Hickory Hill accidental self-inflicted shooting

Retired Captain Bennie Cobb emphasized the importance of firearm safety training for children and adults amidst rising gunshot incidents among youth.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A girl died after accidentally shooting herself Saturday morning, according to the Memphis Police Department (MPD).

MPD responded to a shooting in the 3200 block of Whispering Lane in Hickory Hill just before 8 a.m. on Dec. 14, 2024. 

According to police, a 7-year-old girl was taken in critical condition to Le Bonheur Children's Hospital where she was later pronounced dead from her injuries. 

Incidents like this are why retired Captain Bennie Cobb now spends his days training children and adults.

"That's not only to make sure that they know what they're doing, but protect young people and other people that may get their hands on these guns," said Bennie Cobb, the owner of Eagle Eye Security and Training. 

Le Bonheur Children's Hospital reports that at least 148 children have suffered gunshot wounds this year, with six fatalities. Dr. Regan Williams notes that the extended school closures have worsened this issue.

"School went virtual for 18 months," she said. "They never went back to school, and so now those kids that were distracted with school and sports are actually maybe not having jobs and are out. This is a very complex problem, and it's going to take a complex solution where we are all working together if we want to keep children safe."

Cobb continued, "This is a pledge. They put it on the refrigerator as a reminder that these guns are serious. They're dangerous. Someone can get hurt or killed."

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