There is a big difference between a BB gun and a gas powered ball berring pistol.
Years ago like when I was 6 or 7 years old everyone who was about my age then had a BB gun which was a rifle styled one. Those bb's hurt but didn't break the skin.
In more recent times, some dumbass came out with CO2 pistols for target practice. But can be deadly if you're aiming at a dog/cat/other pet/a human.
Like someone in this thread said the shooter should be charged.