Five Shot in Month Playing With Guns

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. —  A 4-year-old has become the fifth Florida youngster shot this month while they or companions played with guns, but an aide said the governor was reluctant to put a gun-safety bill before the Legislature.

Silvio Pierre was listed in extremely critical condition at Tampa General Hospital on Monday after shooting himself in the chest Sunday. The child had found his father’s .25-caliber pistol under a couch, police said.

Last week, state Rep. Harry Jennings resubmitted a gun-safety bill that calls for prison terms for failing to keep loaded guns out of the reach of children. Gov. Bob Martinez was asked to include the legislation if he called a special session this week on a plan to expand Florida’s Turnpike.