[Sportschosun Jang Jong-ho] A bizarre video showing U.S. police officers joking around and then firing a gun has sparked controversy after being made public. One officer was injured in the shooting.
According to U.S. media outlets, including National Broadcasting Company (NBC), the Pasadena Police Department in California recently released video of the so-called prank shooting incident that took place in the department's parking lot.
The 35-second video shows one officer quickly drawing a handgun like a movie gunslinger and pointing it at a colleague's approaching vehicle. The officer then holstered the gun, but an unexpected gunshot rang out moments later.
The officer was actually hit by the bullet and cried out in pain while clutching his left shoulder.
The officer who fired the gun was a staff member who was approaching in a patrol car at the time.
As the colleague in the parking lot jokingly pointed a gun, the officer inside the car appeared to respond in kind, only for a real bullet to be fired.
Fortunately, the injured officer's life was not in danger, and he returned to work after receiving treatment.
The California Department of Police did not disclose the names or ranks of the officers involved, but said disciplinary action had been taken against those responsible.
One official emphasized, "Pranks, violations of safety rules, and behavior that goes against professional ethics will never be tolerated," adding, "Police officers must strictly comply with firearm safety regulations."
Jang Jong-ho, bellho@sportschosun.com
