In recognition of National Gun Violence Awareness Day on Friday, June 6, the King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention, Regional Peacekeepers Collective, Alliance For Gun Responsibility, and south King County municipal partners are hosting free gun lockbox giveaways at seven locations across King County to raise awareness and provide useful resources to communities.
Encouraging declines in gun violence in King County
Gun violence is a serious public health issue that affects communities across our country. Here in King County, we’re seeing encouraging signs that collective efforts to make our communities safer are working.
New data from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office shows that incidents of gun violence in King County have decreased since the second quarter of 2024, and these decreases have continued into the first quarter of 2025. Compared to the past five years, the first quarter of 2025 saw the lowest numbers for homicides and injuries involving firearms. South King County, in particular, saw a big drop – 37 percent fewer shots fired incidents in first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
While this progress is encouraging, there’s still important work to do. Everyone has a role in preventing violence in their communities, and a simple yet powerful step is locking up your firearms. Safe firearm storage helps prevent accidental shootings, suicides, and theft.
Free community lockbox giveaway events on June 6:
Seattle Lockbox Giveaway, hosted with Community Passageways
- Time: 9 – 10:30 am
- Location: Parking lot at 23rd Ave – 2300 S. Jackson St, Seattle
Renton Lockbox Giveaway, hosted with Freedom Project
- Time: 1 – 2:30 pm
- Location: Renton Community Center – 1715 Maple Valley Hwy, Renton
Kent Lockbox Giveaway, hosted with Community Passageways
- Time: 2:30 – 4 pm
- Location: City Hall Square – 220 4th Ave S, Kent
Skyway Lockbox Giveaway, hosted with Urban Family
- Time: 3 – 5 pm
- Location: Grocery Outlet Parking Lot – 11656 68th Ave S, Seattle
Burien Lockbox Giveaway, hosted with Progress Pushers
- Time: 4 – 5:30 pm
- Location: Burien City Town Square – 400 SW 152nd Street, Burien
Auburn Lockbox Giveaway, hosted with The City of Auburn
- Time: 4 – 5:30 pm
- Location: Auburn City Hall – 25 W Main St, Auburn
Federal Way Lockbox Giveaway, hosted with Progress Pushers
- Time: 4 – 5:30 pm
- Location: Federal Way Community Center – 876 South 333rd St, Federal Way
If you are unable to attend one the giveaway events, gun lockboxes are available for purchase at sporting goods stores and firearm retailers.
Public Health’s Lock it Up program
Lockboxes are provided by Public Health’s Lock It Up program, which promotes and supports safe firearm storage to prevent theft and misuse, helping to keep our families and communities safe…