On Friday, former Park Service ranger Kim Peach accused U.S. Senate candidate Tim Sheehy of Montana of fabricating a story about a bullet wound he claimed was sustained during combat in Afghanistan. Peach alleged that Sheehy actually shot himself during a family trip in Montana, a claim that Sheehy and his supporters immediately rejected, labeling it a smear campaign orchestrated by Democrats. This controversy emerges as the election nears, putting additional pressure on Sheehy, a political newcomer, in his challenge against the three-term Democratic incumbent, Senator Jon Tester.
Sheehy, a former U.S. Navy SEAL, has emphasized his military service in his campaign, including recounting various injuries sustained during combat. He received a Purple Heart for a separate incident and a Bronze Star for his service. A spokesperson for Sheehy’s campaign dismissed Peach’s allegations as defamatory, asserting that attempts to discredit Sheehy’s military service are driven by partisan motives or other agendas.
The scrutiny regarding Sheehy’s arm wound dates back to April when The Washington Post quoted an anonymous Glacier National Park ranger, later identified as Peach, stating that Sheehy accidentally shot himself in 2015. The incident allegedly occurred when Sheehy’s gun fell and discharged in a parking lot at Logan Pass. Sheehy was fined for illegally discharging a firearm, according to government records.
In response to the Washington Post story, Sheehy admitted to misleading the park ranger but maintained his story about the combat wound in Afghanistan. He claimed he injured his arm while hiking and fabricated the combat injury story to protect his SEAL unit from potential friendly fire repercussions.
As absentee voting in Montana begins, Peach, a Democrat, expressed that he felt compelled to reveal the truth regarding the incident. He recounted interviewing Sheehy at the hospital where he was treated and described Sheehy’s admission of the accidental discharge.
Peach, who denies any affiliation with the Tester campaign or Democratic organizations, stated his decision to come forward was independent. Meanwhile, the Montana Democratic Party has highlighted Peach’s account as significant evidence against Sheehy. The National Republican Senatorial Committee dismissed the accusations as desperate acts by Democrats concerned about Tester’s political future.
The Tester campaign has recently scrutinized Sheehy through advertisements, though it did not provide an immediate comment on the latest developments.
