Advocates Gather at S.C. State House to Discuss Firearm Safety

Volunteers and lawmakers highlight importance of secure gun storage to prevent child deaths

Mar. 18, 2026 at 11:03am

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Volunteers with SC Be Smart, community advocates, and state legislators gathered at the South Carolina State House on Tuesday to speak about the importance of safe firearm storage. They emphasized that securely storing guns in locked safes, out of reach of children, is key to responsible gun ownership and can help prevent tragedies.

Why it matters

Firearms are the leading cause of death for children in South Carolina, with an average of 119 child gun deaths per year in the state. Advocates say that proper storage of guns, both in homes and vehicles, is crucial to protecting young lives and improving public safety.

The details

The advocates, including members of the SC Be Smart organization, called for legislation and education to promote secure firearm storage. They noted that safe storage doesn't just apply to homes, but also to vehicles where guns are often left unsecured.

  • The event took place on Tuesday, March 18, 2026 at the South Carolina State House in Columbia.

The players

SC Be Smart

A volunteer organization that advocates for responsible gun ownership and safe firearm storage to prevent child deaths.

South Carolina State Legislators

State lawmakers who joined the advocates at the State House to speak on the importance of secure gun storage.

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What’s next

Advocates hope the event will spur the state legislature to introduce and pass new laws requiring secure firearm storage to protect children.

The takeaway

This event highlights the urgent need to address gun violence and child deaths in South Carolina through common-sense measures like mandating safe storage of firearms. Responsible gun ownership must include keeping guns securely locked away from young hands.