It was most gratifying to witness the introduction by Legislator Ellen Birnbaum of the Safe Storage Ordinance for Nassau County at last week’s press conference.
Gun violence has escalated yearly and claims the lives of over 33,000 Americans.
As reported by the media, horrific visions are formed, and especially devastating are the unintentional deaths of children who find guns and shoot themselves or anyone else within their range.
Nicholas Naumkin was 12-years-old when he was unintentionally shot by his friend who found an unlocked and loaded gun in his father’s dresser.
Another example was the 2-year-old from Peoria, Arizona who found a gun in his home and shot himself.
And just last week, another horrific incident occurred. Mariah Davis, 5-years-old was fatally wounded after finding a gun under her grandmother’s pillow.
The incidents are endless. According to a study in 2014, by Everytown for Gun Safety, two children die almost every week in unintentional shootings.
If these guns were safely stored, the tragedies described above would have never occurred. Guns are lethal and should be safely stored when they are not in the immediate possession or control of the owner to prevent an unintentional death whether it be a child or an adult.
Currently, six cities and one county have firearm safe storage laws — New York City, Albany, Saratoga Springs, Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo and Westchester County.
Regarding the death of Nicholas Naumkin: What criminal charges were applied to the gun owner?
Nothing! Under this ordinance, the gun owner would now be held accountable for leaving a gun accessible.
[Nassau County] Legislator Birnbaum recognizes the urgent need to initiate a safe storage ordinance in Nassau County.
As adults we must act responsibly to protect humanity, in particular, our children.
Ardently, it is my hope that Nassau County will be the next county to rightfully adopt this ordinance.
Lois A. Schaffer
Great Neck
