[sneakypete]

, there's no such thing as an "accidental shooting". This strikes me as, at best, a negligent discharge,

They are the same thing.

[FreedomPoster]

I beg to differ; the words mean different things.

ac·ci·dent   Pronunciation Key  (ks-dnt, -dnt)
n.

1. 1. An unexpected and undesirable event, especially one resulting in damage or harm: car accidents on icy roads.
   2. An unforeseen incident: A series of happy accidents led to his promotion.
   3. An instance of involuntary urination or defecation in one's clothing.
2. Lack of intention; chance: ran into an old friend by accident.
3. Logic. A circumstance or attribute that is not essential to the nature of something.

neg·li·gent   Pronunciation Key  (ngl-jnt)
adj.

1. Characterized by or inclined to neglect, especially habitually.
2. Characterized by careless ease or informality; casual.
3. Law. Guilty of negligence.

Summarizing, "accident" implies something that was unforeseen or unavoidable. This event was neither.