Free gun locks available starting today in Mahoning County

 Mahoning County residents can pick up free gun locks starting today as part of a new initiative aimed at promoting firearm safety and reducing gun-related incidents.

The Mahoning County Prosecutor's Office, in partnership with the Mahoning County Sheriff's Office and the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board, will distribute the locks at the Prosecutor's Office on West Boardman Street in downtown Youngstown. Distribution events are scheduled for today, May 27, and Thursday, May 29, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The effort is supported by Project ChildSafe, a national firearm safety education program that provided the initial batch of locks to the Sheriff's Office. The Mental Health and Recovery Board also received an additional 200 gun locks from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Officials emphasize that secure firearm storage is a key component in reducing gun-related tragedies. According to a press release, gun locks can help prevent suicides by creating a delay that allows individuals in crisis time to reconsider their actions. So far in 2025, firearms have been involved in 58% of suicide deaths in Mahoning County.

Further opportunities to obtain gun locks will be available at various community events throughout the year