Pro-gun activist Jamie Gilt faces charges after being accidentally shot by toddler

Jamie Gilt was a well known pro-gun activist who regularly posted messages on social media calling for gun controls to be relaxed

An affidavit has been filed with local prosecutors charging Jamie Gilt with allowing a child to access a gun (Twitter)

A pro-gun activist who was accidentally shot by her 4-year-old son is to face criminal charges in relation to the incident, it has been reported.

Jamie Gilt, 31, was shot in the back by her toddler while sitting in the driver’s seat of her car earlier this month. She was admitted to hospital and her injuries were not serious.

Ms Gilt was a known pro-gun activist in the Florida area and was an outspoken critic of gun control laws.

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office has filed an affidavit with local prosecutors against Ms Gilt. CNN reports that she faces a charge of second-degree misdemeanour, which carries a penalty of up to 180 days in jail. Under state law, it is a misdemeanour for a person to store or leave a loaded firearm in such a manner that a child could access it.

Prosecutors said that Ms Gilt had been found in her car, wounded and motioning for help. She explained that she had been sitting in the car with the gun under the front seat when her son reached out for a toy and picked up the weapon instead. He subsequently fired the gun and shot her in the back.

Authorities added that they were also carrying out investigations relating to the child’s welfare in light of the incident.