KY U.S. Attorney Urges Firearm Safe Storage Amid Rise in Accidents

LOUISVILLE, KY – The Western District of Kentucky’s U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett is sounding the alarm on safe firearm storage, emphasizing its vital role in preventing gun accidents and thefts. “Safe storage saves lives by keeping guns out of the hands of children and dangerous individuals,” Bennett stated.

In a report highlighting the issue, the Kentucky Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel found unsafe access to firearms was a factor in 83% of firearm-related cases. Improper storage accounted for 90% of those incidents, with proper storage being a key to reducing these risks.

Bennett encourages all gun owners to educate themselves on safe storage practices, such as keeping firearms unloaded and ammunition locked separately. He also advises using secure storage devices like gun safes or vaults for additional protection.

The U.S. Department of Justice has released a comprehensive guide on firearm safety, ‘Safe Storage of Firearms: Unload It, Lock It, Store It,’ offering practical recommendations to promote responsible gun ownership.

Statistics from the ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence and Analysis show that over a million firearms were stolen from private citizens between 2017 and 2021. In Kentucky alone, approximately 3,000 guns are stolen from vehicles each year. Proper firearm storage is crucial in preventing these thefts.

Bennett concluded by urging the public to take action now: “The change in seasons is a perfect time to review your storage practices. Let’s make our communities safer together.”

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