60 Minutes: July 21

This weekend on 60 Minutes Liz Hayes looks at how the gun lobby is gathering in strength, not weakening, in the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School  shootings.

Made of Steel
Liam Knight is a living miracle. In January, he was at a friend’s 18th birthday party, when a two and a half metre steel pole was speared straight through his skull. Two teenagers have been charged in relation to the incident – and the events of that night will soon be heard by a court. On 60 Minutes, you’ll see the story of Liam’s amazing survival and recovery. Paramedics, emergency services, trauma specialists and surgeons all worked together to stabilise Liam; cut the end of the pole off, so he could fit inside the ambulance; perform an emergency roadside procedure to put Liam into a coma; and then once in surgery, painstakingly and delicately pull the steel rod back out of his head. Family and friends took up a bedside vigil as Liam lay in a coma for two weeks. Then this cheeky young man would wake up, telling his mum “I need to pee”. His sense of humour was back, but 6 months on, Liam is still struggling to regain his life. This story will make you wince, cry, laugh and wonder at the miracle of Liam Knight.
Reporter: Karl Stefanovic
Producer: Nick Greenaway

Trigger Happy
Since the shocking mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School last December, there have been more than 6 thousand people killed by a gun in America. With numbers like these, it would be reasonable to expect the U.S. would be doing everything it could to reduce access to firearms. Well, Liz Hayes just travelled across America and found quite the opposite. The gun lobby is more outspoken than ever. Women are signing up to “Pistol Packing Ladies” clubs. Kids as young as 7 years old are being taught to shoot. And we’ll take you to the town where they’ve passed a law to make it compulsory to own a gun.
Reporter: Liz Hayes
Producer: Phil Goyen

Bull Run
Every year, tens of thousands of people descend on Pamplona in Spain, for the Running of the Bulls. It’s a cultural festival that’s been commercialised and overrun by backpackers and booze-fuelled tourists. Injuries occur every day, and deaths are not uncommon. Traditionally, women don’t usually take part, but this year a 23 year old Australian woman was gored by a bull. Allison Langdon was there to witness the terrifying stampede and see the carnage that’s left behind.
Reporter: Allison Langdon
Producer: Gareth Harvey

7.30pm, Sunday July 21 on Nine.