Baton Rouge officials target gun safety after deadly shootings - WLOX.com - The News for South Mississippi

Baton Rouge officials issued an alert Wednesday morning warning people about the dangers of mishandling guns after shootings left a toddler and two teenagers dead.

Gun safety is being targeted through a joint effort by Mayor Kip Holden, District Attorney Hillar Moore, Sheriff Sid Gautreaux, Baton Rouge Police Chief Dewayne White and Coroner William "Beau" Clark.

Investigators said Travin Varice, 2, Enrico Green, 15, and Marcus Williams, 17, were shot to death from improper use of firearms.

Officials are urging parents and other adults to lock up their weapons and provide adult supervision if and when a minor handles a gun.

TIPS:

Secure all firearms located in your home. Trigger locks, lockable gun boxes, and other devices for securing weapons are readily available at little cost (much less than the cost of the weapon) at sporting good stores and are often provided free by the gun manufacturer at the time of sale.

Make certain that an adult supervisor is present to ensure that safe gun handling practices are followed. If your children participate in shooting sports, please contact one of the numerous local organizations to secure proper instruction, including the Civilian Marksmanship Program in our schools, NRA education classes, hunter education courses, concealed weapons classes, law enforcement training programs, and shooting sport foundations.

If you see anyone under the age of 21 handling a hand gun without adult supervision, call 911 for an immediate response by law enforcement.

If you see anyone under the age of 18 handling a long gun without adult supervision, call 911 for an immediate response by law enforcement.

If you see anyone handling a firearm at any time in a unsafe manner, call 911 for an immediate response by law enforcement.  

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