Last week’s back-to-back incidents involving young people and firearms have shaken our Lake County community to its core. The first day of school for the 2025-2026 academic year was interrupted by a lockdown prompted by an off-campus shooting that injured a Lake County High School student and left two others charged with attempted first-degree murder. Just 2 days later, another shooting occurred at Ice Palace Park where, thankfully, no one was injured.
Anger, impulsivity and easy access to firearms are a deadly combination. We’ve seen this in adults in recent years, and the danger is just as great with children who have access to firearms, if not greater. Young people’s brains are still developing their capacity for decision-making and impulse control. When a heated argument escalates and a firearm is within reach, split-second decisions can destroy lives forever.
Read Kristen’s full guest article in the Leadville Herald Democrat outlining safe gun storage practices, and join ALC in helping to reduce gun violence in Lake County and beyond.
To learn more about ALC’s violence prevention work, subscribe to our email newsletter and follow us on social media.
To support ALC’s mission to create safety, dignity, and hope for all, please consider donating to our Operation: Safety Net fundraiser. All donations are completely tax deductible.