WAS TIM SHEEHY SHOT IN COMBAT OR BY ACCIDENT?
Navy SEAL Veteran Tim Sheehy is running for Senate in Montana during the 2024 election. Things are heating up, and among the various topics and issues for voters remains the origin of Sheehy’s gunshot wound. While he has mentioned or implied the wound is from military service, a former park ranger is disputing this claim. He says that Sheehy accidentally shot himself. Here’s what we know.
How Did Tim Sheehy Get Shot?
Tim Sheehy claims he was shot by a bullet lodged in his arm due to a firefight while serving in Afghanistan in 2012. At least that’s what was once believed to be true. The Veteran Senate candidate is also being reported to have admitted to a Glacier National Park ranger in 2015 that he accidentally shot himself in the arm. This is a clear contradiction and some damning evidence has been brought up about the Glacier incident. This includes Sheehy paying a fine for illegally discharging a weapon in the park. Sheehy, however, is now claiming that his gun was not fired there. He claims that he instead fell and sustained an injury, which is odd, seeing as the park ranger found that there was a missing bullet from the firearm. Furthermore, Department of the Interior documents show that Sheehy sought leniency regarding the gun discharge. This would further support the park ranger’s account. This raises more questions about how the wound came to be.
A Trip to Glacier National Park
Former Montana park ranger Kim Peach publicly accused Republican Senate candidate Tim Sheehy of lying about being shot in combat in Afghanistan. The claim by Peach that Tim Sheehy shot himself, comes from an accident during a 2015 family trip to Glacier National Park. Peach says that he met Sheehy at a hospital after the incident during an investigation. It was at this time Sheehy allegedly admitted to accidentally discharging his firearm, leading to a $525 fine for discharging a firearm in a national park. After initially coming forward anonymously, Peach has faced harassment when his identity was revealed by Republicans, who accused him of discrediting Sheehy's military service based on perceived critiques against Republican politicians. Peach felt compelled to go public to expose Sheehy’s dishonesty, but that while holding him accountable for alleged falsehoods was a motivating factor, it was not done with a political motive. He explained, "I have no personal vendetta against Tim Sheehy. But when a person makes a statement that's not true somebody has to call them on it."
Tim Sheehy Was Shot, but His Story Matters
While it’s clear Sheehy suffered a gunshot wound at one point or another, the issue remains on its origins. Under normal circumstances, this is probably not as big of a deal, and thankfully, it wasn’t worse. However, honesty and transparency are key when you’re running for office. Especially when questions are being raised about multiple parts of your resume. Even if you are a Veteran, sticking to the facts is important and embellishment only hurts yourself and the others who have served our nation. It’s worth noting that Sheehy was awarded a Purple Heart. However, it’s believed to be for a separate injury suffered while serving. Everyone is entitled to their own political beliefs but regardless of party or preference, integrity matters. Particularly, when it also affects the optics within a community, such as Veterans. Tim Sheehy was shot and the circumstances continue to be up for debate, but what shouldn’t be is respecting the sacrifice of those who were wounded while fighting for our nation’s freedom. The truth matters. Suggested reads:
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Image source: Daily Montanan