A 17-year-old boy is in the hospital after his 12-year-old brother shot him at a Pine Township home on Christmas Day.

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The younger boy was holding a .22-caliber rifle when it discharged, striking his brother in the back, said Northern Regional Police Chief Bob Amann.

He did not say whether police believe the shooting was intentional or not.

The older boy was conscious and responsive when medics arrived. He was taken from the home to a hospital, Amann said. His condition was not immediately released.

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com