Woman finds loaded gun on Disney World ride

The gun's owner told park officials that the weapon slipped out of his pocket because the ride was extremely bumpy

Published May 30, 2013 7:46PM (EDT)

Park officials have confirmed that a grandmother and her grandson found a loaded pistol on a ride at Disney World; specifically, the Animal Kingdom Dinosaur Ride. After finding the gun on her seat, the woman turned it over to a park attendant, who contacted the police. Weapons are not allowed, as a matter of policy, inside the happiest place on earth.

The gun's owner, Angelo Lista, told authorities that the weapon "just slipped out" of his back pocket because the ride was "extremely bumpy," according to WOFL-TV.

The Associated Press goes on to report:

[Lista] told authorities he discovered his gun was missing several minutes after leaving the ride. He has a concealed weapons permit.

Lista told authorities he didn't know Disney World patrons weren't allowed to bring guns. He said he thought the security checkpoint at the entrance to the Florida theme park was only so that guards could check bags for bombs or explosives. Patrons do not walk through metal detectors nor are they subject to patdowns.


By Katie McDonough

Katie McDonough is Salon's politics writer, focusing on gender, sexuality and reproductive justice. Follow her on Twitter @kmcdonovgh or email her at kmcdonough@salon.com.

MORE FROM Katie McDonough


Related Topics ------------------------------------------

Disney World Firearms Gun Gun Control Gun Violence Happiest Place On Earth Weapons