A 4-year-old boy discovered a firearm inside a car shortly after his family arrived at an Airbnb property in Kissimmee, Florida, and used it to shoot and kill his 2-year-old relative, authorities said.
Family Traveling to Disney World
The family had traveled from Georgia to Florida for a planned Disney World holiday. They checked into the Airbnb on Sunday, but the dream vacation turned into a tragedy within minutes. According to the Osceola County Sheriff's Office, the 4-year-old entered the car where the toddler was waiting and found an unsecured gun.
"Once you pull that trigger, that projectile is going somewhere, and this one hit a 2-year-old and killed it," Sheriff Chris Blackmon said during a news conference on Monday.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Deputies responded to the scene just before 4 p.m. on Sunday. Emergency medical personnel attempted lifesaving measures before transporting the toddler to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Sheriff Blackmon emphasized that charges are likely to be filed in the case, but further discussion is needed. Investigators plan to interview the 4-year-old who fired the gun.
Gun Safety Warning
Blackmon stressed the importance of proper gun storage, urging gun owners to use safety devices. "This is so simple to put on, and it would stop that problem from happening. If it can save one life, it's worth that investment to us," he said.
Statistics on Child Gun Deaths
According to the Gun Violence Archive, the toddler is the third child under 13 killed by gunfire in Florida since January 1, 2026. Nationwide, 122 children aged 0 to 11 have been fatally shot this year.
