Iowa House candidate charged after accidental shooting

Iowa House candidate Sonya Heitshusen was checking on a gun in her home after receiving ongoing threatening messages through social media when it accidentally discharged last week, she said in a media statement Wednesday.

• No injuries were reported but, on Tuesday, the West Des Moines Democrat was arrested on a charge of reckless use of a firearm.

Why it matters: Heitshusen is an advocate for more gun control.

• She intentionally and recklessly pulled the trigger during a 11:20pm June 27th incident at her home, WDM police said in a court document.

Details: Heitshusen, a former WHO-13 news anchor, she had been receiving threats for her views on abortion, according to a police report obtained by Axios. 

• The gun accidentally discharged as she placed it on a table, piercing a glass door and exiting in an unknown direction.
• Her partner was not home at the time of the incident, according to the report.

What she's saying: Heitshusen said her partner — a Des Moines police officer — planned to be out-of-town so she checked on a gun when it accidentally discharged.

• She said she takes full responsibility for the incident, which was reported by herself and her partner.

What's next: A court date in the case is set for July 18.