Rep. Humphrey Highlights Continued Gun Violence, Need for Legislative Action

COLUMBUS - State Rep. Latyna M. Humphrey (D-Columbus) today reflects on the continued impact of gun violence on Columbus neighborhoods, families, and children as 2025 comes to a close:

"This year has brought far too much heartbreak to our community," said Rep. Humphrey. "We have watched families grieve, neighbors mourn, and children lose their lives to preventable gun violence. In just the past two weeks, two young girls - ages two and 11 - were killed in negligent shootings. Since September, six children have died as a result of accidental gun violence. These are not just statistics; these are our babies."

Rep. Humphrey referenced the recent deaths of Va'Nyiah Mason and Amya Frazier, emphasizing the deep and lasting impact these tragedies have on families and the broader community.

"Our community deserves better," continued Rep. Humphrey. "I will always fight for policies that reduce gun violence, but real change also starts at home. Adults must take responsibility for safely storing firearms. The Columbus Fire Department and Columbus Public Health offer free gun lock boxes, removing barriers to keeping children safe."

Beginning with the week starting on July 5, 2023, fire stations across Columbus began distributing gun locks, free-of-charge, to Columbus residents. Columbus Public Health also provides free lock boxes to the City of Columbus residents.

"When a child is in your home, their safety must be the top priority," concluded Rep. Humphrey. "We all share a role in protecting our children - as parents, caregivers, neighbors, and community members. I am tired of seeing another family's world turned upside down by a tragedy that could have been prevented.

For more information regarding gun lock boxes please refer here.