A six-year-old boy was accidentally injured by a gunshot from his mother's firearm in southwest Miami-Dade, as reported by the County Sheriff's Office.
The accident took place inside the family's home located in the 10143 Circle Plaza West area, where the child and his mother were present when the gun discharged, according to Telemundo 51.
Authorities stated, "the child picked up the gun and accidentally shot himself in the shoulder."
The mother promptly transported him to Jackson South Hospital, from which he was airlifted to HCA Kendall Hospital for specialized medical care.
Officials have confirmed that the boy is in stable condition.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation into this incident.
At the time of the report, the location of the firearm was unknown, though authorities confirmed that the mother is the legal owner of a gun.
"Authorities are continuing to investigate whether charges will be filed," the news outlet indicated.
Under Florida law, if a child gains access to a negligently stored firearm and is injured, the responsible adult can face third-degree felony charges, with penalties of up to five years in prison and fines of up to $5,000.
State regulations also mandate that gun owners secure their firearms with locks, in a safe location, or with trigger locks when minors are present in the home.
This incident is part of a disturbing pattern of similar accidents in the area in recent years.
In July 2025, a two-year-old was injured in the leg after discharging a gun found in his mother's purse inside a vehicle in Miami Gardens.
In November 2023, a four-year-old girl died in Miami-Dade after being accidentally shot by her three-year-old brother with a firearm belonging to their mother's boyfriend.
That same month, a three-year-old girl survived an accidental shooting in Miami-Dade and was released from the hospital.
Also, in September 2023, a ten-year-old boy died from a self-inflicted accidental gunshot in North Miami with a gun registered to an adult.
Firearms have become the leading cause of child fatalities in the United States, surpassing traffic accidents, cancer, and heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Understanding Gun Safety and Legal Implications in Florida
What are the legal responsibilities of gun owners in Florida?
Florida law requires gun owners to store firearms securely, especially when minors are present. Failure to do so, resulting in a child's injury, can lead to third-degree felony charges, with penalties including up to five years in prison and fines up to $5,000.
How common are accidental shootings involving children in Miami-Dade?
Accidental shootings involving children in Miami-Dade have been alarmingly frequent, with several incidents reported in recent years, highlighting the need for increased gun safety and awareness.