2018 IS NOT OFF TO A GOOD START

In the first 28 days of 2018, there have already been 26 unintentional shootings involving children with access to unsecured firearms. These shootings resulted in 19 injuries and 7 deaths. Five of the fatalities were children under the age of 8. Eleven of the shooters were under the age of 13.

Of the 26 shootings so far this year, twelve took place in a one week span, between January 21st and January 28. During that time, eight children were injured and four were killed. Three of those shootings took place in Texas.

In the entire month of January 2017, there were 22 shootings involving children with access to unsecured firearms.

The ongoing problem with children shooting themselves or other children with unsecured guns is not getting better.

In 2017, there were 357 incidents resulting in 132 children being killed, 216 children being injured, and 16 adults being shot.

In 2016, there were 318 incidents resulting in 120 children being killed, 175 children being injured, and 21 adults being shot.

Firearms must be stored responsibly – secured, locked, and in no way accessible to children. Safe storage of firearms not only prevents unintentional shootings, it also prevents tween and teen suicides, and children taking guns to school.

These shootings are not accidents. Every one of them was preventable. Safe storage saves lives.