North Carolina launches week of action to secure firearms to combat gun theft and violence

North Carolina department of public safety (NCDPS) is observing SAFE (secure all firearms effectively) week of action from June 1–7, an initiative focused on promoting safe firearm storage across the state.

The campaign includes local events and educational outreach to help prevent gun thefts and firearm-related injuries.

In Asheville, NCDPS is partnering with the Asheville Police Department to support the effort by distributing free gun locks and sharing information about safe storage practices. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, June 3, from 2 to 6 pm at 800 Brevard Road.

FBI data cited in a statement from governor Josh Stein showed gun thefts from vehicles have tripled over the past decade.

In 2022, ten cities in North Carolina were ranked among the top 100 in the nation for reported gun thefts from vehicles. Additionally, firearms are now the leading cause of injury-related death among youth in the state.

The issue has become more urgent following a series of deadly shootings over the weekend. In Asheville, a 26-year-old man was killed and several others injured outside a live music bar. In Morganton, one person died and two others were wounded in a Saturday shooting.

Another shooting early Sunday morning in Catawba County left one person dead and 11 injured at a house party.

To help address the rise in gun-related violence, Stein proposed more than $2.2 million in funding for safe firearm storage as part of his state budget.