A tragic incident in Warren, Michigan, illustrates why safe firearm storage matters.
In the spring of 2024, an 8-year-old boy was at home with his parents and three other young children when he climbed onto a chair and discovered an unsecured .40-caliber Glock handgun on top of a kitchen cabinet. The child unintentionally discharged the firearm, shooting himself in the head. Miraculously, he survived.
Sadly, incidents like this are not isolated. Across the United States, children gain access to unsecured firearms in their homes, sometimes resulting in unintentional shootings that cause devastating injuries or deaths.
Michigan’s Safe Storage Law
To help prevent these tragedies, 26 states, including Michigan, have enacted laws addressing the safe storage of firearms. Michigan’s safe storage law took effect in February 2024 and requires firearms to be properly secured when they are unattended and reasonably likely to be accessed by a minor.
Depending on the circumstances and consequences of a violation, failure to comply with Michigan’s safe storage requirements can result in serious criminal penalties, including imprisonment.
The Michigan Conference of The United Methodist Church endorsed Michigan’s safe storage legislation as part of its commitment to reducing gun violence and protecting children and communities.
A Significant Decline in Unintentional Shootings
In 2024, Michigan recorded 25 unintentional shootings by children. During the following year, organizations across the state, including United Methodist churches, worked to increase public awareness of Michigan’s safe storage requirements and the importance of keeping firearms secured and inaccessible to children. Prosecutions under the new law also received public attention.
In 2025, the number of unintentional shootings by children in Michigan fell to 10. That represents a 60% decrease from the previous year.
While many factors can influence year-to-year firearm injury statistics, this dramatic decline demonstrates the importance of continuing efforts to educate families about safe firearm storage and Michigan law. Safe storage is a practical step that can help prevent a moment of childhood curiosity from becoming a lifelong tragedy.
What United Methodists Can Do
There are three important ways United Methodists can help protect children from unintentional firearm injuries and deaths:
1. Practice safe storage at home.
If you have firearms in your home, know and follow Michigan’s safe storage requirements. Make sure firearms are secured and inaccessible to children.
2. Start the conversation in your church.
Help members of your congregation understand the risks associated with unsecured firearms and the role responsible storage can play in preventing injuries and deaths. Education and awareness can save lives.
3. Share Michigan’s safe storage requirements.
Make reliable information about the law available to your congregation, including the specific firearm storage requirements and potential penalties for violations.
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services: Firearm Storage Requirements and Penalties
Protecting children is a responsibility we share. By practicing safe firearm storage, educating our congregations, and making families aware of Michigan’s requirements, United Methodists can help create safer homes and communities for every child.
Greater Detroit District
Church & Society Committee