In a shocking turn of events, a joyous wedding celebration in Nebraska took a terrifying turn when a grandfather accidentally shot his own grandson during the ceremony. The incident occurred when 62-year-old Michael Gardner, who had traveled from Odessa, Texas to officiate the wedding, attempted to gather the attention of the wedding guests by firing a “blank” round into the air.

However, instead of a harmless display, the gun discharged and the blank round hit his 12-year-old grandson in the left shoulder. Panicked wedding attendees immediately called local police, and first responders rushed to the scene to treat the young boy, who had suffered a deep laceration. Fortunately, the injury was deemed non-life threatening, and he was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Upon further investigation, authorities discovered that Gardner had used homemade “blank” rounds in his Pietta model 1860 snub nose revolver. These improvised rounds consisted of black powder and glue, which, when fired, caused the injury to his grandson. Additionally, a discharged .45 Colt casing was found chambered in the revolver, raising further concerns about Gardner's negligence.

Following the incident, Gardner turned himself in at the Adult Correctional Facility on Monday. He now faces a charge of child abuse for negligently firing a firearm and causing injury. If convicted, he could face up to three years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine, according to FOX 7.

Chief Deputy Ben Houchin from the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office expressed that while Gardner did not intend to harm his grandson, his actions were reckless and irresponsible. "Just another example that playing with firearms, no matter what, even if they're blanks, bad things can certainly happen," Houchin stated in a statement to FOX Television Stations. He emphasized the importance of firearm safety, warning against the dangers of mishandling firearms in any circumstance.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of mishandling firearms, even when using blanks. Authorities have condemned Gardner's actions as neglectful, highlighting the need for responsible behavior when handling firearms, especially in public gatherings.

The family and friends in attendance at the wedding ceremony were left in shock and disbelief as what should have been a joyous occasion turned into a horrifying ordeal. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community remains hopeful for the young boy's recovery while also urging others to prioritize safety when dealing with firearms.