In recognition of National Gun Violence Awareness Day on Friday, June 5, Public Health – Seattle & King County’s Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention is partnering with the Alliance for Gun Responsibility, community organizations, the City of Seattle, and south King County cities to host seven free gun lockbox giveaway events throughout King County.
Encouraging declines in gun violence in King County
Gun violence in King County has steadily decreased in recent years, following an increase during the COVID pandemic, as measured in the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office “Shots Fired” report.
However, young adults in King County remain disproportionately
“We are encouraged by the downward trend in gun violence across King County. However, community members who are closest to the issue remind us daily that there is significant work to be done to curb the violence they experience regularly,” said Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention Director Eleuthera Lisch in a release. “We must continue to move with urgency and work together to end gun violence, so every neighborhood and community feels safe.”
Secure storage is key to gun safety
Safe firearm storage is the best way to reduce the risk of unintentional shootings and injury and prevent firearms from being stolen and misused by others. In order to help increase safe firearm storage, Public Health runs the Lock It Up program. Everyone who owns firearms can take action by locking up their guns, whether in their home or car.
Free community lockbox giveaway events on June 5:
Rainer Beach Lockbox Giveaway
Featuring remarks from King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and City of Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson
- Location: Detective Cookie Chess Park – 5025 S Barton Pl, Seattle, WA 98118
- Time: 11:30 AM – 1 PM
- Partnering organizations: Alli
ance for Gun Responsibility, City of Seattle, Community Passageways, Fathers & Sons Together, Fatherhood Accountability Movement, Rainer Beach Action Coalition, and Urban Family
Renton Gun Lockbox Giveaway
- Location: Renton Recreation Center – 1715 Maple Valley Hwy, Renton, WA 98057
- Time: 1 – 2:30 PM
- Partnering Organizations: Alliance for Gun Responsibility, City of Renton, and Freedom Project
Burien Gun Lockbox Giveaway
- Location: Burien City Hall – 400 SW 152nd St, Burien, WA 98166
- Time: 2:30 – 4 PM
- Partnering Organizations: Alliance for Gun Responsibility, City of Burien, and Progress Pushers
Kent Gun Lockbox Giveaway
- Location: Kent City Hall Square – 220 4th Ave S, Kent, WA 98032
- Time: 2:30 – 4 PM
- Partnering Organizations: Alliance for Gun Responsibility, City of Kent, and Community Passageways
Skyway Gun Lockbox Giveaway
- Location: King County Fire District 20 – 12424 76th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98178
- Time: 4 – 5:30 PM
- Partnering Organizations: Alliance for Gun Responsibility and Urban Family
Auburn Gun Lockbox Giveaway
- Location: Auburn City Hall – 25 W Main St, Auburn, WA 98001
- Time: 4 – 5:30 PM
- Partnering Organizations: Alliance for Gun Responsibility and City of Auburn
Federal Way Gun Lockbox Giveaway
- Location: Progress Pushers parking lot – 32020 1st Ave S, #209, Federal Way, WA 98003
- Time: 4 – 5:30 PM
- Partnering Organizations: Alliance for Gun Responsibility, Progress Pushers, and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
Each event will feature remarks from community safety experts and local government leaders, gun safety education, and free gun lockbox giveaways. These events are free and open to all, and lockboxes will be distributed while supplies last.
If you are unable to attend one the giveaway events, gun lockboxes are available for purchase at sporting goods stores and firearm retailers.
Lock it Up program
Lockboxes are provided by Public Health’s Lock It Up program, which promotes and supports safe firearm storage to prevent theft and misuse, helping to keep our families and communities safe.
The program has reached 14 counties across Washington with safe storage devices through collaborative efforts with local health departments, community violence intervention programs, Tribal Health Organizations, and more. Last year, Public Health’s Lock it Up program and Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention collectively distributed over 10,000 lockboxes.
For more information about safe storage devices, including options in many languages, please visit our Lock It Up Program.
