Congressman, advocates urge safe firearm storage as summer begins

By Fox 5 San Diego

As children spend more time visiting friends and family during summer break, local leaders are reminding gun owners about the importance of securely storing firearms to help prevent accidental shootings and other tragedies.

Congressman Scott Peters joined educators and community advocates Monday at Green Elementary School in San Diego as part of National Gun Violence Awareness Month and National Asking Saves Kids Day, a campaign encouraging parents and caregivers to discuss firearm safety before children visit another home

Peters urged families to ensure firearms are stored safely and securely, emphasizing that responsible gun ownership can help protect children from gaining access to weapons.

Advocates pointed to national data showing that millions of children live in homes where at least one firearm is loaded and unlocked. They said a simple conversation about gun storage can help prevent injuries and save lives.

Community leaders encouraged parents to ask whether firearms are present and properly secured before allowing children to visit friends or relatives.

The event comes as San Diego continues to grapple with the effects of gun violence.

Earlier this month, a deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego renewed discussions about firearm access and secure storage practices within the community.

Separately, the man convicted in the 2001 Santana High School shooting is expected in court Monday as he seeks possible resentencing. Andy Williams has spent the last 25 years in prison after being convicted of killing two students in the attack.

Supporters of the firearm safety campaign said preventing future tragedies begins with responsible gun ownership and ensuring guns are kept out of the hands of children and others who should not have access to them.