Michigan Man Accidentally Shoots 83-Year-Old Anti-Abortion Activist

Richard Harvey Sharon Harvey Anna Visser Jamie Gilt Captain Joseph Wells Pro-gun Activist Right to Life Volunteer

By Camille Hutchison , Parent Herald Oct 05, 10:34 am

Michigan man Richard Harvey admitted he accidentally shot an 83-year-old anti-abortion activist who had a disagreement with his wife and didn't leave their property when they told her to, according to Inside Edition.

Harvey said the shooting happened after he heard his wife and the woman arguing. He said during an interview that he heard his wife repeatedly telling the woman to get off the property as she was already trespassing.

When the 74-year-old came out, the woman was having a grand old time inside their property. He said he fired a warning shot with his rifle, striking a tree.

Harvey added that the woman was distributing anti-abortion pamphlets and wouldn't leave their yard. The woman continued to rant and rave, waving around a clipboard.

The Michigan man was certain she would smack his wife with it; thus, without thinking, he took his rifle but had his finger on the trigger guard. However, it accidentally went off and hit the old woman. According to the authorities, the lady drove herself to a nearby police department and was quickly taken to a hospital, where she was treated and released. The lady was distributing fliers for Right to Life, urging people to vote against Proposal 3, a November ballot measure that would secure abortion rights in the state.

Sharon Harvey, the wife, told the woman she supports abortion rights and told her to leave the property, which led to an argument with raised voices.

The Right to Life volunteer is now recovering

The shooting happened on September 20 at a residence near Lake Odessa and is now being investigated by the Michigan State Police. As of the moment, no charges have been filed. Police spokeswoman Lieutenant Michelle Robinson told the Inside Edition on Wednesday that she still cannot comment on any of the evidentiary elements involved as it is still an ongoing investigation. She assured information would be provided once it was done and forwarded to the prosecutor for review.

Anna Visser, director of communication and education for Right to Life of Michigan, said that the volunteer is doing fine and recovering from the wound.

She added the victim had told other volunteers that she had stopped at a residence where a woman came to the door but suddenly got upset, making her decide to leave. She was walking toward her car when a man came out and fired a gun, striking her shoulder.

Pew Research revealed that the United States has a deep and enduring connection to weapons, specifically guns, and serves as a point of pride for Americans. Usually, many gun owners count the right to bear arms as central to their freedom. The outcome of gun-related violence has hugely shaken the nation, causing many debates over gun policy and remaining sharply polarized.

A Florida woman pro-gun activist shot by her son

In another shooting incident, Jamie Gilt, 31, was immediately taken to a hospital after she was shot by her 4-year-old son but is now believed to be in stable condition. A Putnam County Sheriff's deputy reported that he was on patrol at the time when he suddenly noticed a truck stopped somewhat in the travel lanes and a woman sitting in the driver's seat gesturing for help. Upon checking, the only other occupant in the vehicle was a boy who was not harmed.

Captain Joseph Wells said in an interview that the mother was sitting in the driver's seat and the young boy was in the back seat behind her. The 4-year-old shot straight through, and the bullet entered her lower back and exited through her abdominal area. The bullet went through her, and officials recovered the round inside the vehicle. CNN reported that it was a .45 caliber handgun.