March 25, 2026 (New York Time) — An accidental incident occurred in Alabama when the 6-year-old son of Representative Ernie Yarbrough accidentally shot his 13-year-old brother inside their home while their parents were present.
🔍 Incident Details
According to information from the authorities:
- The incident took place at the family's private residence in Lawrence County.
- The 6-year-old managed to access a .556 caliber AR-style rifle in a bedroom.
- The bullet struck the 13-year-old brother in the back of the shoulder area.
The victim was identified as having sustained soft tissue injuries and is recovering, similar to other cases where children were shot at apartment complexes with non-life-threatening injuries.
📢 Response from the Family
Representative Ernie Yarbrough stated:
- His son is recovering quickly.
- He was able to engage in normal activities later that same evening.
He shared briefly: "Praise God, everything is okay."
⚠️ Investigation and Procedures
The local prosecutor's office has opened an investigation. The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office has notified child protective services—a mandatory procedure when minors are involved in gun-related incidents. This event once again raises alarms about gun safety following the shocking incident where a 4-year-old girl was shot in the head while sleeping.
It remains unclear how the firearm was accessed while adults were present in the house.
🏛️ Political Context
Representative Ernie Yarbrough is a first-term member of the Alabama House of Representatives. He is a staunch supporter of Second Amendment gun rights and previously proposed legislation to restrict the enforcement of "red flag laws" (laws that allow the temporary seizure of firearms from individuals deemed a danger). Debates over self-defense rights often flare up following shootings at Atlantic Station or other public venues.
This bill failed to pass in previous legislative sessions.
