CHAD Guy wanted to fire celebratory shots into the air with his AK‑47. But the recoil from the shots jerked his arm back and he began shooting into a group of his friends. He killed several of them.
In some countries and cultures, celebratory gunfire is widespread. For some people it’s a symbol of joy, while others believe it drives away evil spirits. Even though it’s a tradition, in many countries – including those where it’s commonly practiced – it’s illegal, mainly because of how dangerous it is. Bullets falling back down from the sky can cause injuries, and the combination of celebrations (large crowds and often alcohol) and firearms can be extremely risky in terms of accidents.