He broke every major gun safety rule I believe I've ever heard, and there are many different rules. If he had just practiced even ONE of the four major ones I learned in the Marine Corps, he would not have had an AD.
The same goes for my friend, roommate (we shared a duplex out in town), and fellow Marine when I was stationed on I&I duty out in California back in 1979.
SSgt Dennis Treiner "accidentally" shot and killed himself with his own 1911, and in front of me, another Marine, two female friends from his high school days, and his fiancee. He was dead before he hit the ground.
Did that turn me against firearms? NO.
But it sure strengthened my belief in gun safety, and not being STUPID with weapons. Partially due to that incident, I went on to become a range coach and spend a lot of time teaching my fellow Marines weapons safety classes, and ensuring that they put what I taught them into practice in the field and on the range.
I am glad to hear that you have been able to put the experience to good use, teaching gun-safety to people who might otherwise make a mistake that results in injury or death.. The sad thing is that this DEA agent probably took all the prescribed gun safety classes, and still managed to shoot himself. That is complacency.. and one just can't be complacent when it comes to firearms.
On a lighter note; I think that the Marine Corps is the best damn department of the NAVY there is! Semper-Fi Ground Pounder! LOL *pokes*
Raymond