Minnesota Public Safety Handing Out Free Gun Locks

(KNSI) – Minnesota’s Department of Public Safety is handing out 10,000 Freedom gun locks. Commissioner John Harrington says it is meant to proactively address gun violence in a broad sense.

“We’re talking about violent crime, but we’re also talking about suicide. We’re also talking about children accidentally getting guns into their hands. I’ve often said, ‘It’s better to light a candle than to stand and curse the darkness.'”

He says the locks will prevent children from gaining access to a weapon they don’t understand, preventing accidents. They may also provide enough delay to allow a suicidal person to rethink and turn away from what would be a permanent tragedy.

Harrington says the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is uncovering an unprecedented amount of stolen firearms during investigations. The gun locks are a small measure of deterrence.

“A significant number of the guns we’re seeing on the streets, that the BCA is collecting in record numbers, are stolen guns. If we can simply stop that from happening. If we can keep the guns out of someone’s [hands] who is not allowed to have them, this is money well spent. This is time well spent.”

While the push is kicking off at the Minnesota State Fair, Harrington says the gun locks will be distributed to police and fire departments, community groups, and even churches across the state. You can also contact the Department of Public Safety or its member agencies directly.

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