Unsecured guns are killing Ohio kids. We know how to stop it.

By: Erick Bellomy II

Outlets: Ohio Capital Journal

Published: January 21, 2026

Words: 685

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 4 days ago

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Ohio is grieving yet another preventable loss. In Canton, 12‑year‑old Thomas J. Lucas was accidentally shot and killed by his 15‑year‑old brother. Police say the older boy was showing him a handgun when it fired.

One moment of curiosity. One unsecured gun. A family changed forever.

We call these tragedies “accidents,” but that word softens the truth.

When a gun is left accessible to a child or teen, the outcome isn’t random. It’s predictable. And …

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