Milwaukee shooting, 3-year-old seriously hurt near 76th and Carmen

MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee police said a 3-year-old child was shot and seriously injured on Thursday night.

It happened near 76th and Carmen shortly after 9 p.m. The child was rushed to a hospital.

"I continue to find it mind-boggling, mind-boggling," Mayor Cavalier Johnson said. "I don’t have all the details, but that a 3-year-old or any child is in a position where they would end up suffering a gunshot wound, that simply should not happen."

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Sources with knowledge of the case told FOX6 the gun was unsecured, and it appears the child accidentally fired the weapon. 

"If you are a gun owner, you have a responsibility," said Johnson. "You have a responsibility to make sure that your gun is stored away. You have the responsibility to make sure your gun has a lock on it. You have the responsibility to make sure your gun is not in reach of a child."

Scene at 76th and Carmen in Milwaukee

The mayor again called on state and national lawmakers to act.

"There are far too many people in this state, far too many people in this country, who have their hands on guns who should not have their hands on guns," he said. "This is a serious issue, and the United States and the state of Wisconsin needs to step up to protect its citizens and especially kids. We are failing our children."

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So far in 2024, MPD crime data shows there have been 205 non-fatal shootings in the city – a roughly one-fourth drop compared to the same time in 2023. Now, they have one more case to add: a 3-year-old child shot.

Milwaukee police are still investigating what led up to the shooting and are looking for a known suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call MPD at 414-935-7360; to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS or use the P3 tips app.