An advocacy group in Lancaster County raises alarms following two incidents involving youths and firearms, emphasizing the need for increased gun safety awareness. A 12-year-old boy was found with a BB gun resembling a real firearm during a robbery, while another 12-year-old was discovered carrying a handgun, cash, and marijuana. These incidents highlight a worrying trend, as local police report removing nine guns from individuals under 21 just this year, part of a total of 162 firearms seized since 2018.
Mental Health America of Lancaster County advocates for locked storage and education surrounding the dangers of firearms, particularly targeting families with adolescents. The group’s education coordinator, Megan Beyerle, stresses the importance of teaching children about gun safety, noting that curiosity and the desire to fit in can lead to dangerous situations. The community is urged to collaborate with law enforcement to foster a safer environment for youth, making clear that tackling youth gun violence is not merely a policing issue but one that involves collective responsibility.
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