Reader comments: Man hurt when gun blasts toilet

149 comments  |  Read story

Page: 1 2 3
James | 9:31 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009
Well, at least no one was hurt.
Observer | 9:33 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009
That gives new definition to being shot in the head.
Thank you | 9:36 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009
This story just made my day. I love a good laugh. Glad everyone was okay.
Comments continue below
Jennifer | 9:51 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009
Too funny, Observer! Really, though, this kind of an accident isn't newsworthy. I'm glad no serious harm was done to anyone, toilet notwithstanding.
Johny Fairplay | 10:14 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009
^^^ Observer = funny.

Discharge of firearm is newsworthy.
if they take away guns. . . | 10:17 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009
Then toilets will run rampant and take over. . .
Better reporting pls - | 10:24 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009
Loved the story. Headline is a bit misleading though - man shoots toilet? He didn't shoot at it - he DROPPED the gun, which then proceeded to shoot the toilet. (Was he sitting on it? Now that wd've been uhm, hilarious)

Headline should read "Toilet Shot!" because that is what happened, the man didn't shoot the toilet.
Model One | 10:24 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009
The unanswered question in most minds, "Did he wash his hands"?
What a Moron ! | 10:30 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009
Having a concealed carry permit is one thing. Having a round chambered and ready to fire in the restroom of a fast food joint is unacceptable. I support the NRA and the right to carry, but come on, this guy could of killed somebody due to his carelessness. Who needs to have a round chambered and ready to fire???
truly newsworthy | 10:32 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009
This is newsworthy because of all the doofuses who defend "the right to bear arms" and never admit that most who conceal carry are as inept and potentially dangerous as the gent who iced the john. On the other hand, who hasn't felt the urge to pull out your pistol and blow the plumbing away when it leaks or is backed up. . .
LOL | 10:40 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009
I can't stop laughing. I'm glad no one one hurt, but this story just makes me smile. Truly, it represents an only in Utah sort of moment.

To truly newsworthy, I think the plural is doofi, and I hope all of them (concealed carriers) think twice as a result of this article.

Thanks to Ben Winslow for a great laugh.
Fred | 11:01 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009
One will get you twenty that we didn't get the whole story. When you look at the mechanism of a Kahr pistol, it is pretty plain to see that the thing isn't capable of firing from being dropped! Something else must have happened. That will be the real story!
rob99rt | 11:02 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009
What a Moron !: You say it's unacceptable to have a round chambered in a restroom. Do you expect him to un-chamber the round when he goes into the bathroom? How about un-chambering the round when he gets into the restaurant from the parking lot? What you're proposing is making it MORE dangerous by creating unneeded instances of gun handling.

The pistol was not in a secure holster. That was the main problem here. I've carried several pistols over the last 5 years and have never had one drop out of its holster because I purchase good quality holsters, and yes, I carry with a round chambered. A criminal is not going to call you and make an appointment before he shows up, so you must carry a pistol for protection that will work the instant it's needed.

Speaking of carelessness, do you or your friends ever talk on the phone while driving? I'm willing to bet that thousands more are injured every year due to that than accidental firearm discharges.

Sadly, you don't *really* support the 2nd Amendment if that is your attitude toward self-preservation.
Re: truly newsworthy | 11:03 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009
Where do you get, by this story, that "most who conceal carry are as inept and potentially dangerous as the gent who iced the john"? Use blanket statements often? Tell me what your political affiliation is, your race, education, religion, etc. and I bet I could throw some out there on you.
what is my political affiliation | 11:19 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009
Let's see, my race is swift, my education is better than yours, my religion is God's own, and my political affiliation is Straight Party. But thank heavens that there are brave concealed carry holders to protect us from marauding loos. . .
Guns don't kill... | 11:22 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009
Toilets do.
Guaglione | 11:28 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009
Maybe the whole not chambering a bullet is a good idea. I mean, fire extinguishers have the separate nozzle that you have to attach before you use them. And fire alarms have all those codes you have to enter before you can pull the lever. And of course, everyone knows that brake pedals in cars have that lever you have to move to the side before you can press the brake. Makes perfect sense.
Dear "what is my....." | 11:47 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009
(putting Karnac hat on)
Loobertarian!
(end Karnac)

Only in Utah, for sure. Who needs a 40mm just to use the john at a fast-food restaurant, except a right-wing paranoid gun-nut? (Probably all depressed because he lost his life savings to The Free Capitalist scammer.)
Why I don't live in Utah | 11:53 a.m. Jan. 14, 2009
Another example as to why the happiest day of my life was when I saw the sign "Leaving Utah". One of these days someone should add to the sign "Re-entering the World".
Common sense says... | 12:08 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
Seems like civilians should empty the chamber of their legally carried firearms in all those places that the police do.

Hmmm... ever seen an officer unload a gun to go to he restroom?
Ok! | 12:14 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
HOW many registered gun-toting people have gone to the loo with their guns chambered and we've never heard about it?? Just because ONE silly person with a loose gun holster accidentally has his gun go off means we're all up in arms about having arms????

This is funny, but the idiotic debate is turning un-funny.
Unchambered | 12:32 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
If we are encouraging people to walk around with a chambered round in an automatic it is just a matter of time before some idiot will "accidentally" shoot someone and blame everyone else for his carelessness.
Mike | 12:35 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
All I can say is, Git'er dun!
@ Why I don't live in Utah | 12:39 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
Why I don't live in Utah but I return daily to read about it in the Utah paper and make comments about what is going on there. nice.
Says to Common Sense | 12:39 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
Maybe we just ought to let police officers carry guns. Problem solved. All this self protection stuff is hooey. Except for the police, only people who are paranoid and lack in self esteem carry guns. Now that is real common sense. Oh wait a minute, we live in Utah. And we do need to protect ourselves from the United Nations forces. Sorry, I forgot.
To Why I don't live | 11:53 | 12:41 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
Happy day for us, too!

Do yourself and us a favor, stay in the world. New York, maybe. Where things like this never happen (See report on Plaxico Burress) ;>)
Only in Utah? | 12:48 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
Okay folks, those of you who are claiming this event could happen only in Utah are just revealing your bias and prejudice. I live in Louisiana, and, believe me, these sorts of stories (and even some that are more stupid) occur here regularly. Okay, I'm bracing myself for all the Louisiana jokes now.
Justified Shooting? | 12:50 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
The real question here is did he feel that his life was threatened by the toilet? We've all met this unscrupulous "toilets" in fast food establishments. It is about time that one of these menacing devices was taught a lesson.
PM9 owner | 12:51 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
This guy is a lair, there is no way it went off by dropping it. He was playing with it and antecedently pulled the trigger.
Khar = Quality | 1:03 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
Any quality modern firearm, including Khar's don't "go off" on impact, especially not from 3 feet up!

The trigger was pulled, the gun did exactly what it is designed to do, functioning perfectly.

Keep your booger scratcher off the bang switch! ...and never unholster your firearm in a public area unless needed.
JT | 1:05 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
I don't get the Utah related comments. What does a handgun falling from a cheap holster have to do with the state in which one resides?
Let's all try applying a little logic to our commentary.
Kahr owner | 1:07 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
It is interesting to see that the ones that know little or nothing about guns are the most outspoken against them and the people who carry them.
Josh | 1:15 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
Re: Says to Common Sense
Have you seen whats going on in the world today? Some headlines:
-Texas Killing Spree Suspect Declared Unfit for Trial
-Boy, 5, Shot and Killed in Los Angeles
-Ohio Teen Convicted of Killing Mom Over Video Game
-New Jersey Church Shooting Suspect Tries to Kill Self
Now you are telling me, that all that carry guns are
paranoid and lack in self esteem? Check out FOX NEWS before you call us all paraniod. The world is a crazy place, and incase you havent noticed America is a crazy place.
Josh | 1:20 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
One more for Common sense says.
-UHP says freeway shooting was gang related
To Josh | 1:24 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
I've checked out FOX NEWS. I stand by my statement. You are paranoid and lack self esteem.
Zell | 1:30 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
Does he get to carve a notch in his gun for his first toilet shot? You know in New York or California they empty their gun in someone else instead of the toilet. They must be progressive states.
Brian | 1:32 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
Here's a piece of advice for a few of you out there "IT IS BETTER TO REMAIN SILENT AND THOUGHT A FOOL THAN TO SPEAK UP AND REMOVE ALL DOUBT" thanks.
Rick | 1:35 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
Take a look at world events over the last several years (including today) and consider the ethnic cleansing, rapes, and other obscene crimes carried out against unarmed 'citizens'. While a military regime may bomb out your village, the 'brave' soldiers wouldn't commit so many war crimes if the potential victims had even so much as a very small caliber manual fireame at their disposal.

If you think that the reason this (military/political crimes of violence against large groups of people) doesn't happen in the united states of america is because of our advanced governement and high level of intelligence and education and humanity, you are a bit deluded. The reason this hasn't happened (yet) in this country is because the 'citizens' are to some extent armed. As soon as that is no longer the case, the path will be paved for the violent oppression of the people.

If you think this point of view is absurd then you'd better study your history, ancient and modern.
his own falt | 1:37 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
he is not telling the hole story that gun would not have fired if the trigger was not pulled he probably took the gun out of the holster so it did not fall out and was puting it back up and pulled the trigger or got the trigger cought in some pice of clothing and it went off when he was re-holstering end of story
Steve | 1:37 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
I've never cared much for Carl's Jr.
Carl | 1:44 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
He sure fired off a load!
Heaven Help Us | 2:02 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
Will these flush-by shootings ever end???
Glade News | 2:06 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
The Urinal must have been shaken up?
Howdy | 2:22 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
Any gun can fail and can fire if dropped. No machine is perfect. The likely hood that this is the case with this shooting is very low. Use a good holster and you will be less likely to have your gun fall out. Leave it in the holster unless you have to use it.
Pam | 2:25 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
Geese, accidents happen. It's too bad that we don't live in an accident proof world. Give the guy a break!
Proud to have a CWP | 2:29 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
Gunman Kills Five People at Trolley Square
February 13th, 2007 @ 8:00am

The winding hallways of Salt Lake City's Trolley Square became a shooting gallery for an 18-year-old gunman in a trench coat who fired a shotgun randomly at customers, killing five and wounding four before being killed by police,

Let's all give up our guns, who needs to have a concealed weapon with a round in the chamber. I bet if we ask nicely the criminals will give theirs up too. Every cop gets a CWP glad there was off duty cop using his right to carring a concealed weapon there that night. If you were on the reciving end of a crazy shooter I bet you would like to have someone there with a CWP to protect if needed.
Anonymous | 2:29 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
I have always thought these concealed carry people were a little strange, but this proves they are stupid, too!
Stinken thing! | 2:37 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
There has been times in my life that I wished that I had a gun to take out my own toilet bowl.
Anonymous | 2:41 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
Man Charged With Strangling Girlfriend and 4 Children, Motive Sought
Lucky | 2:44 p.m. Jan. 14, 2009
Any idiot carrying a loaded gun in his pants is lucky to get off with a cut on the arm. The gun should never have one in the chamber, unless he intends to shoot it. This guy was truly one of the dumbest people alive or there really is more to the story.
Page: 1 2 3

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.

A toilet inside the Carl's Jr. in Centerville is in pieces after a man accidentally dropped his concealed weapon. A bullet struck the toilet, and the flying shrapnel wounded the man. (Centerville Police Department)
Centerville Police Department

A toilet inside the Carl's Jr. in Centerville is in pieces after a man accidentally dropped his concealed weapon. A bullet struck the toilet, and the flying shrapnel wounded the man.

previousnext

Latest comments

Come on people. God said to love everyone. Just because we don't agree with someone…

What came from torture?

This country will never rebound in the eyes of the rest of the world! You mean like…

HOW PATHETICALLY SAD THAT WE STILL CAN'T LEARN TO GET ALONG AND DO THINGS TOGETHER…

"You can't fairly judge somenone after 2 years." THEN WHY DO ALL YOUR DAUGHTERS…

To everyone. Both teams played sloppy but RHS still won by let see .... i believe…

Don't legalize polygamy

Let me try to make the issue clear. Currently, if someone goes out and marries…

Upbeat Bush bids adieu

I don't know if he realizes what a rare item he is, but the male prostitutes he ran…

Hopefully Jay Schroeder gets the job. But he won't, principal warren brooks dosent…

I guess your glass is half empty. I'm sorry for you.

Actually... my Dad can beat up your Dad. Let's take care of this BYU/Utah issue…

Advertisements