deaths

Stephen Oliphant, PhD, MPP, a research investigator at the University of Michigan's Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention, said secured storage is supported by evidence.

 Research has found that locking a firearm, keeping it unloaded and storing ammunition separately are each linked to reduced risk of youth firearm deaths and injuries,  Oliphant said.

Oliphant noted that 26 states and the District of Columbia have negligent storage and child access laws that create legal consequences for failing to securely store a firearm. In July 2025, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 8, the Safe Gun Storage Act, which requires firearm owners to secure guns in a locked container or with a tamper-resistant safety device whenever a minor is likely to access them.

Organizers acknowledge limits of the campaign

Organizers said some gun owners will continue to ignore the push to use gun locks.

 Yeah, right, everybody won't use them because we have immature people and they don't look at it the right way,  Thompson said.

Clark said the Urban League's role is access.

 We cannot deny that there's a need for gun locks. Our job is to make them accessible,  Clark said.

Thompson said she hopes the distribution will lead to safer homes.

 The only thing I ask is that you continue to pray for our family,  Thompson said.

The Urban League plans to release a list of the 40 participating churches. The campaign begins Saturday, July 18.