On a Sunday evening in Newberry County, South Carolina, two children, just four and two years old, were shot inside their own home after one of them reportedly accessed a gun stored in a closet. Two more children, including a four-month-old baby, were also present. One child was shot in the hand, and another in the foot. This time, they survived.

Next time, a child might not.

According to authorities, the firearm was unsecured and later removed from the scene before deputies arrived. Both parents have been charged with unlawful conduct toward a child. One parent is also facing obstruction of justice for allegedly hiding the weapon.

This tragedy is a heartbreaking reminder that firearms in homes must be stored securely, especially when children are present.

We are calling on the South Carolina General Assembly and Governor Henry McMaster to pass a statewide secure storage law that requires gun owners to:

• Store all firearms in a locked container or use a trigger lock when children are present
• Keep ammunition stored separately and securely
• Face civil or criminal penalties if a child accesses a firearm due to unsafe storage

Twenty-three states already have child access prevention or secure storage laws. South Carolina does not. Without basic legal standards, children remain at unnecessary risk.

This is not about taking away anyone’s rights. It is about protecting children and preventing tragedies that are completely avoidable.

Sign this petition to demand that South Carolina pass a secure storage law before another child is harmed or killed. It is time to act.