The man accidentally shot by U.S. Vice-President Dick Cheney said the quail hunting incident was nothing more than an accident and he apologized to Cheney and his family for causing a ruckus.

Harry Whittington, a 78-year-old lawyer who Cheney peppered with birdshot last weekend, wore a suit and tie and appeared healthy, as he made a statement to reporters before he was released on Friday.

"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," said Whittington, whose neck and face appeared to be bruised.

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."

He said last weekend involved "a cloud of misfortune and sadness that is not easy to explain, especially with those who are not familiar with the great sport of quail-hunting."

At the same time, Cheney made his first public appearance since the incident occurred, speaking to the Wyoming Legislature. At the beginning of his remarks, Cheney mentioned that it has been a difficult week, but then moved on to other issues.

On Wednesday, Cheney appeared on Fox News in a pre-recorded interview. He took full responsibility for the accident, saying "I'm the guy who pulled the trigger and shot my friend."

But prior to that appearance, Cheney had avoided the media and kept silent about the shooting.

The White House's handling of the situation and an apparent lack of communication between Cheney's aides and President George W. Bush's communications team provoked criticism in recent days.

Media attention spiked Tuesday when it was announced that Whittington, who was recovering in hospital after surgery, had suffered a minor heart attack resulting from some of the pellets lodged in his body.

During the Friday press conference Whittington thanked the hospital staff and doctors for their help, and even joked with reporters about their coverage.

"I also thank all of you for understanding as best you can that medical attention is very important to someone my age -- and you haven't failed to give my age," he said, drawing laughs from reporters.

Hospital spokeswoman Yvonne Wheeler wouldn't say exactly when Whittington left the hospital Friday or where he was going, only that he left in a car.