Drone footage just released shows a dramatic February police standoff in Albuquerque involving two boys, ages 7 and 9, one of whom attempted to fire a loaded handgun. A firearm malfunction likely prevented deputies from using deadly force after dozens of prior police calls to the same home.

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ALBUQUERQUE, NM (3-minute read) — A disturbing drone video released last week captures a February incident in Albuquerque where two young boys, just 7 and 9 years old, were involved in a standoff with police while one of them held a loaded handgun.

According to the Albuquerque Journal, deputies with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office approached the situation cautiously, deploying a less-lethal round to distract the children. Moments later, one of the boys pointed the firearm at deputies and attempted to fire. The gun, fortunately, malfunctioned, preventing what could have been a fatal exchange. Deputies immediately rushed in and safely disarmed both boys without injury.

Sheriff John Allen stated bluntly that had the firearm discharged properly, deputies may have had no choice but to use deadly force in defense. It’s a sobering realization, particularly considering the young ages involved.

Equally troubling is that this was not an isolated event. Sheriff Allen revealed that law enforcement had been called to this specific home more than 50 times for various disturbances involving the children and their family. The repeated calls indicate an ongoing situation involving family dysfunction, possible neglect, and clearly, dangerous access to firearms.

Alarming Child Access to Firearms

This case reignites the debate over child safety and firearm access. Securing firearms properly is not optional—it’s a necessity. For responsible gun owners, ensuring that firearms are stored in locked safes, out of reach and sight of children, is fundamental.

This situation could have easily ended in tragedy. Fortunately, quick-thinking deputies, training in less-lethal intervention, and sheer luck with the malfunctioned gun likely saved lives that day.

Safety Tip: Always store your firearm in a secure, locked container and use additional safety measures like trigger locks if children are present in the home.