The Eden Prairie Police Department and Eden Prairie Schools issued a joint message Tuesday urging families to securely store firearms, calling safe storage “an important step” in preventing accidental shootings, suicides and gun thefts.
The reminder comes as the community reflects on the fatal shooting at Annunciation Church and School in Minneapolis this fall, Police Chief Matt Sackett and Superintendent Josh Swanson said in the message.
Nearly 360 U.S. children each year unintentionally injure themselves or others after gaining access to a firearm, and more than 1,700 guns were stolen across Minnesota in 2021, the agencies noted.
Minnesota law makes it a gross misdemeanor to negligently leave a loaded firearm where a child is likely to access it.
As part of the safety effort, the Police Department is offering free gun locks during business hours through the national Be SMART campaign, which promotes responsible gun ownership. Locks are also available at several libraries.
Be SMART encourages families to secure guns in homes and vehicles, model responsible behavior around firearms, ask about gun storage in other homes, recognize the role of guns in suicide, and share the message with others.
More information and resources are available at besmartforkids.org.