As concerns about youth access to guns continue to grow, the Indio Police Department and local firearm sellers stress the critical need for safe firearm storage practices. Data from the Kaiser Family Foundation reveals a troubling statistic: nearly 21,000 children aged 17 and under died by firearm between 2013 and 2023, underscoring the importance of responsible gun ownership and secure storage. Indio Officer Felipe Escalante emphasizes that unsecured firearms can pose serious risks to children, urging parents to invest in gun safes or locked cases.
In California, it is illegal to leave any firearm, loaded or unloaded, accessible to children without permission. Kent Miller, owner of Golden State Armory, points out that state law requires all handguns to come with a locking device or box, ensuring that new gun owners are informed about their legal storage obligations. These discussions highlight a pressing public safety issue as officials seek to minimize unnecessary tragedies.
Read full story at kesq.com
