• Treat all firearms as if they are loaded, at all times.
  
  
• Always point a gun in a safe direction. Never point the firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy.
  
  
• Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
  
  
• Be sure of your target and what is beyond your target - know what you're shooting at.
  
  
• Don't rely on a safety mechanism. Guns are mechanical devices; safety devices can fail.
  
  
• Be familiar with your gun.
  
  
• Use the right ammunition for your gun.
  
  
• Don't shoot at hard surfaces. Metal, rocks, and even water can cause a ricochet.
  
  
• Always wear eye and ear protection.
  
  
• Pay Attention! Know how to be situationally aware

This federal agent failed to follow several of the rules. He failed to unload his gun, failed to keep his finger off the trigger, and failed to keep it pointed in a safe direction.