I wouldn't put it past them to have some obscure state law in place no one knows about. Otherwise, they'll just make something up and run with it to see what happens.
I seem to recall there have been two incidents over the years down at Knob Creek resulting in deaths on the firing line. As I recall, neither were shootings, but both were weapon mounts that broke allowing the weapon system to dislodge during firing. The resulting machinery falling on or hitting the shooters resulted in fatal injuries. I don't remember all the details, but I'm sure it hit the news somewhere if someone has the time to search.
Tinman....
From MSNBC: (would like to see some confirmation, in statute, of this assertion):
From old WashPo article: (was at this shoot earlier, and recall this happening after I left)It is legal in Massachusetts for children to fire a weapon if they have permission from a parent or legal guardian and are supervised by a properly certified and licensed instructor, Lt. Hipolito Nunez said. The name of the instructor helping the boy was not released.
All of this sounds a lot scarier than it is. Knob Creek is full of security guards who zealously enforce rigid safety rules. Of course, machine guns are inherently dangerous. In October 1995, a 13-year-old girl was killed when the 600-pound, 18-barrel gun she was firing fell on her, crushing her skull. At the time, the girl's mother told reporters that she didn't blame the Knob Creek folks and hoped that children would still be allowed to shoot. They are.