WAYLAND, Mich. — Wayland hosted a community forum on safe gun storage after new gun legislation went into effect in Michigan.
The legislation—which includes background checks, safe storage requirements and red flag laws—went into effect on the one-year mark of the fatal Michigan State University shooting.
The forum will include a panel of law enforcement, school and government officials, staff from the Allegan County Prosecutor's Office and gun owners.
Officials will give presentations on what the new legislation means for gun owners, as well as how to safely store guns and work to prevent gun violence.
One main goal of the forum was to reduce accidental shootings, especially by children.
Nancy Whitley said "I think of a child that the anyway, that found the gun in, in the bed under a pillow, and that poor little girl is fighting for her life now. And so the gun laws are going to hold people responsible parents and whoever that they that they have those guns not secured in the home and the child has hurt themselves or others."
Accidental shootings are rising with the number of guns people have.
Myrene Koch said the "Genesee County case, the law went into effect one day before that tragedy happens. And that father was charged in the case where the two year old unfortunately shot herself with a weapon. And so that was only one day after this law went into effect."
Attendees received a free gun safety lock and information on how to properly use it.
The forum was suggested by the United Church of Wayland Gun Safety Initiative. Organizers said the forum received "wide support from the community."
The forum was in the Carpenters & Millwrights Skilled Training Center. It began at 6:30 p.m. Any additional questions for the panel or about future events should be sent to ucwgunsafety@gmail.com.
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