Shot friend 'sorry' for Cheney [View All]

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,18187859%255E1702,00.html

HARRY Whittington, the hunting companion accidentally shot by Vice President Dick Cheney, has expressed regret at the storm of publicity caused by the shooting.

The 78-year-old lawyer, who was to leave hospital overnight, said he was "deeply sorry for all Vice President Cheney and his family have had to go through this week."

"Accidents do and will happen and that's what happened," he said. "We hope that he will continue to come to Texas and seek the relaxation that he deserves."

Cheney accidentally shot Whittington during a hunting trip last Saturday. The vice president has been drawn into a controversy because the accident was only announced one day later.

edit to add more from another story:

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060217/cheney_victim_060217/20060217?hub=TopStories

"We all assume certain risks in whatever we do, whatever activity we pursue, and regardless of how experienced, careful and dedicated we are, accidents do and will happen, and that's what happened last Friday," Whittington said.

He also apologized for the media attention Cheney has received because of the incident.

"My family and I are deeply sorry for all that Vice-President Cheney and his family have had to go through this week. We send our respect to them as they deal with situations that are much more serious than what we've had to deal with this week."