Physical Security

Ky. Lawmaker's Gun Fires in Capitol Office

Rep. Leslie Combs accidentally fired her handgun while unloading it in her office in the Capitol Annex.

I'm a gun owner. It happens," she said today, adding that she was following safety precautions as she unloaded her Ruger 380 semi-automatic handgun. No one was injured, said USA Today.

Combs said she has a concealed carry permit, allowing her to carry the gun, which she said she often carries in her purse, said USA Today.

Combs, a Democrat who's served in the House since 2007, said Rep. Jeff Greer, D-Brandenburg, was the only other person in the office when the gun fired, said USA Today.

"I was purposely disarming it to put it up because I didn't like it and I didn't want to use it any more," she said. "... I had had it in my purse I carry usually, and I thought I'm going to put that sucker way."

Combs said the gun was pointed in the proper direction — and away from Greer — as she unloaded the gun, as she has been trained.

"I was particularly careful," she said. "Rep. Greer was on the other side of the room...No one was in harm's way. I made sure of that."

Asked if the incident caused her to reconsider carrying a gun, Combs said, "I am a gun owner. I support the right to bear arms. As a female —particularly for protection rights — I feel the need to carry a firearm. I will be the first proponent for gun safety, at the same time I'm also a proponent in support of people to be able to carry weapons properly and with a concealed carry permit."