Idaho State professor shoots his own foot with concealed weapon during class

Police are investigating an incident on the campus of Idaho State University in which a professor's concealed weapon accidentally discharged.

KPVI Channel 6 reported that Pocatello Police received a call around 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday that a shot had been fired in the university's physical sciences building.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant McCoy said that a professor with an enhanced concealed carry permit had accidentally discharged his weapon and was injured, although the injury was not believed to be life-threatening.

The Idaho State Journal said that the professor was teaching a chemistry class, when he got shot in the foot.

Pocatello Police Lieutenant Paul Manning said that the instructor was carrying a pistol in his pocket that went off unexpectedly. The injured man was taken to Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello.

ISU president Arthur Vailas called the accident "unfortunate."

“I'm sure the incident was scary and embarrassing," he told the State Journal.

McCoy said the results of the investigation are pending, but the professor -- who police declined to name -- could face charges for discharging a weapon within city limits.

On July 1, the Idaho state legislature enacted a law allowing people with enhanced concealed carry permits to carry guns on school campuses and other public property.

Vailas said he knew that something like this was coming.

“When they passed this law it was bound to happen,” he said.

[image of gun lying on table via Shutterstock.com]