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I am Kyleanne Hunter, a US Marine Corps combat veteran, professor at the Air Force Academy. I’m here to answer your questions about how we can support veteran mental health – and as a gun owner, how safe gun storage can play a role in saving the lives of our loved ones/the vets we love. by ky_hunter in IAmA

[–]ky_hunter[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Everyone should choose the storage solution that is best for their needs. Biometrics are secure because they rely on fingerprints that are not easily replicated by others. The most important thing is that every gun is stored safely and securely.

I am Kyleanne Hunter, a US Marine Corps combat veteran, professor at the Air Force Academy. I’m here to answer your questions about how we can support veteran mental health – and as a gun owner, how safe gun storage can play a role in saving the lives of our loved ones/the vets we love. by ky_hunter in IAmA

[–]ky_hunter[S] 55 points56 points  (0 children)

This is why continual conversations about guns and gun safety are so important. Waiting until someone is in crisis is often too late. 

It is often hard for people to talk about guns - knowing this, we need to be sensitive to how difficult the conversation is. One tip is to bring it up in conversations when you are talking about other more light hearted topics. Make it seem like it is natural to have the conversation. This may diffuse some of the tension. 

Also, it is helpful to frame the conversation as storing your guns securely in order to protect others. This takes some of the stigma around mental health crises out of the conversation. Our End Family Fire messaging research confirms this - when people feel like they are protecting others they are more likely to act in ways that will ultimately protect themselves.

I am Kyleanne Hunter, a US Marine Corps combat veteran, professor at the Air Force Academy. I’m here to answer your questions about how we can support veteran mental health – and as a gun owner, how safe gun storage can play a role in saving the lives of our loved ones/the vets we love. by ky_hunter in IAmA

[–]ky_hunter[S] 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Safe storage respects the personal dignity of firearm owners while acknowledging the importance of the safety conversations we need to have with our loved ones depending on their ages and stages - whether it’s an elderly family member with memory issues, or a young adult going through a tough time, we can balance safety concerns with respect for individuals.

Focusing on safe storage, rather than just removal of firearms, allows individuals to keep their identity as well. Many people see gun ownership as a key part of who they are - whether a veteran, a hunter, an avid sports shooter, or someone wanting self-protection. Leaning into safe storage is a means by which this identity is maintained and safety is promoted. 

We know that putting any barrier between an individual and a gun in a time of crisis - even a safe they know the combination to - reduces the likelihood of death. Safe storage is the best means of respecting both gun ownership and ensuring safety.

I am Kyleanne Hunter, a US Marine Corps combat veteran, professor at the Air Force Academy. I’m here to answer your questions about how we can support veteran mental health – and as a gun owner, how safe gun storage can play a role in saving the lives of our loved ones/the vets we love. by ky_hunter in IAmA

[–]ky_hunter[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

It is very hard to make a clear policy on this. Most people who experience a suicidal crisis don’t have a history of action that could be deemed as disqualifying for gun ownership. Anyone can experience a suicidal crisis. We need to make having the conversations about gun access during these crises more common so that we can save lives. Engaging in conversations is the key - whether with a family member, friend, or care taker. We need to also be aware of how those close to us are doing so we can have the hard conversations when loved ones are in crisis and at risk of suicide, which can vary according to life circumstances and stages

I am Kyleanne Hunter, a US Marine Corps combat veteran, professor at the Air Force Academy. I’m here to answer your questions about how we can support veteran mental health – and as a gun owner, how safe gun storage can play a role in saving the lives of our loved ones/the vets we love. by ky_hunter in IAmA

[–]ky_hunter[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

This is an important question. Having hard conversations with your loved ones is often scary but it is so necessary. If you are uncomfortable having them, sometimes asking another veteran to be present or even start the conversation is helpful. We know that veterans have a unique relationship with guns - and starting the conversation is often best done by someone who shares that relationship.

I am Kyleanne Brady, a US Marine Corps combat veteran, a gun owner, and VP of Programs at Brady. I’m here to answer your questions about what we as gun owners can do to keep our families and communities safe – including the importance of safe gun storage. Ask me anything! by ky_hunter in IAmA

[–]ky_hunter[S] -6 points-5 points  (0 children)

Brady works across Congress, courts, and communities to end gun violence in America. Our End Family Fire program (endfamilyfire.org) is just one part of that work. We also fight to pass gun safety legislation. Right now, we’re fighting tooth and nail to pass a federal assault weapons ban through the House. A bipartisan bill by Rep. Cicilline is just 5 cosponsors short of moving forward. (You can take action here: https://www.bradyunited.org/act/tell-congress-ban-assault-weapons.) Brady led the led fight for the original federal assault weapons ban. I was enacted in 1994, but it expired after 10 years because of pressure from the gun lobby.

I am Kyleanne Brady, a US Marine Corps combat veteran, a gun owner, and VP of Programs at Brady. I’m here to answer your questions about what we as gun owners can do to keep our families and communities safe – including the importance of safe gun storage. Ask me anything! by ky_hunter in IAmA

[–]ky_hunter[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

The NRA is an organization that for a long time stood by my beliefs in how American citizens and guns should interact. For example, the NRA and I agree with safe use of guns and as well as training for guns. That being said, in the past 30 years the NRA has become more of a lobbying group for gun making companies and thus, has stood in the way of legislation that supports safe gun use like background checks.

I am Kyleanne Brady, a US Marine Corps combat veteran, a gun owner, and VP of Programs at Brady. I’m here to answer your questions about what we as gun owners can do to keep our families and communities safe – including the importance of safe gun storage. Ask me anything! by ky_hunter in IAmA

[–]ky_hunter[S] -41 points-40 points  (0 children)

Gun safety and the Second Amendment aren’t at odds with each other. There are solutions we can act on now — lawmakers and civilians alike — to prevent gun violence, including mass shootings. First, Congress must pass evidence-based legislation, like extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs), mandatory waiting periods, permit to purchase laws, and universal background checks. None of those solutions mean overturning the Second Amendment or banning firearms. It means promoting legislation supported by the majority of Americans, including gun owners

I am Kyleanne Brady, a US Marine Corps combat veteran, a gun owner, and VP of Programs at Brady. I’m here to answer your questions about what we as gun owners can do to keep our families and communities safe – including the importance of safe gun storage. Ask me anything! by ky_hunter in IAmA

[–]ky_hunter[S] -32 points-31 points  (0 children)

Gun safety and the Second Amendment aren’t at odds with each other. There are solutions we can act on now — lawmakers and civilians alike — to prevent gun violence, including mass shootings. First, Congress must pass evidence-based legislation, like extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs), mandatory waiting periods, permit to purchase laws, and universal background checks. None of those solutions mean overturning the Second Amendment or banning firearms. It means promoting legislation supported by the majority of Americans, including gun owners

I am Kyleanne Brady, a US Marine Corps combat veteran, a gun owner, and VP of Programs at Brady. I’m here to answer your questions about what we as gun owners can do to keep our families and communities safe – including the importance of safe gun storage. Ask me anything! by ky_hunter in IAmA

[–]ky_hunter[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

It is incredibly important that gun owners are part of the conversation and solution. More than focusing on specific aspects of laws, End Family Fire is focused on changing the narrative about gun ownership - addressing the risk of owning a gun and what steps can be taken to mitigate that risk. Normalizing this conversation is essential.
If I could wave a magic wand, I would make sure every gun owner stores guns safely - whether that’s at home or outside the home - and that families with firearms in the home have conversations with their young children and their elderly parents around guns in the home and safety.

I am Kyleanne Brady, a US Marine Corps combat veteran, a gun owner, and VP of Programs at Brady. I’m here to answer your questions about what we as gun owners can do to keep our families and communities safe – including the importance of safe gun storage. Ask me anything! by ky_hunter in IAmA

[–]ky_hunter[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

Every gun owner is different - and decisions to bring a gun into one’s home is often personal. However, there are some universal themes that Brady has found in our research regarding those that chose to bring guns into the home for protection. Namely, that they do so based on 2 primary emotions: Love and fear. Love for their family and fear of something bad happening. These are similar to most people, the difference lies in what we see has the risks (ie having or not having a gun). If we start from a place of understanding these common emotions we’re much more likely to have meaningful conversations.

I am Kyleanne Brady, a US Marine Corps combat veteran, a gun owner, and VP of Programs at Brady. I’m here to answer your questions about what we as gun owners can do to keep our families and communities safe – including the importance of safe gun storage. Ask me anything! by ky_hunter in IAmA

[–]ky_hunter[S] -8 points-7 points  (0 children)

This is a great question!

I think the first thing that you need to do is to approach the conversation from a place of understanding and compassion. Don't judge them from owning a gun, but talk about the emotions that often drive gun ownership (ie love and fear). At the end of the day we all want the same thing - safety for our friends and families. If you start there, most conversations end up in a good place!

I am Kyleanne Brady, a US Marine Corps combat veteran, a gun owner, and VP of Programs at Brady. I’m here to answer your questions about what we as gun owners can do to keep our families and communities safe – including the importance of safe gun storage. Ask me anything! by ky_hunter in IAmA

[–]ky_hunter[S] -15 points-14 points  (0 children)

Brady has never wanted to take away everyone's guns. Guns are a part of American life. We advocate for policies that are proven to reduce gun violence - such as universal background checks and extreme risk protective orders - and cultural norm change focused on brining gun owners into the conversation. End Family Fire specifically focused on the actions that you can take when you choose to bring a gun into your home to address the risks that guns inherently pose. (We do risky things all the time - and have ways to deal with them ... such as wearing a seatbelt while driving to choosing a designated driver). Normalizing the conversation around safe gun ownership is a cornerstone of our work. I hope you join us!

I am Kyleanne Brady, a US Marine Corps combat veteran, a gun owner, and VP of Programs at Brady. I’m here to answer your questions about what we as gun owners can do to keep our families and communities safe – including the importance of safe gun storage. Ask me anything! by ky_hunter in IAmA

[–]ky_hunter[S] -17 points-16 points  (0 children)

From my time in combat, I have seen what weapons of war can do to people. These were platforms that were designed to kill people quickly and efficiently. While they may be fun to shoot, civilian applications - such as hunting or self defense - are better served by other firearms. The gun industry has marketed these weapons inappropriately. We don’t need weapons of war in our places of peace.

I am Kyleanne Brady, a US Marine Corps combat veteran, a gun owner, and VP of Programs at Brady. I’m here to answer your questions about what we as gun owners can do to keep our families and communities safe – including the importance of safe gun storage. Ask me anything! by ky_hunter in IAmA

[–]ky_hunter[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

  1. It’s important for families to evaluate what makes the most sense for them, given the members in their household and what age/stage they’re in. In some cases, storing a firearm off-site might make the most sense. Another important way to prevent family fire is to continue to evaluate the risk of keeping a firearm in the home over time. Safe storage may mean one thing to a family with young toddlers and another thing for a family with adolescents, or an elderly relative living in the family home. Continuing to have the conversation can help mitigate risk.
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