Baltimore secures $245K for free gun safes to combat violence

U.S. Rep. Kweisi Mfume has secured $245,000 in federal funding to boost gun safety in Baltimore. The money will provide free biometric gun safes, lockboxes, and cable locks to residents. The initiative was announced during a visit to Johns Hopkins Hospital on Monday, March 30. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Justice and supports a partnership with Johns Hopkins Hospital, its trauma centres, and community groups. Representatives from the hospital's trauma and violence intervention teams, the pediatric trauma unit, and the Center for Gun Violence Solutions attended the announcement.

The devices will be distributed through hospital-based programs to patients and families. Research by the Center for Gun Violence Solutions shows that safe storage reduces suicide, homicide, theft, and accidental shootings. This effort aligns with Johns Hopkins' wider violence prevention work in the city.

No other U.S. state currently offers a similar free distribution program for firearm safety devices to private individuals. The initiative aims to improve firearm safety by making secure storage more accessible. Baltimore residents will receive the devices at no cost through local hospitals and community partners. The program reflects ongoing efforts to address gun violence through evidence-based solutions.