Every gun owner, myself included, knows that the safe handling and storage of every firearm is crucial. All it takes is one mishap or lapse in safety for tragedy to strike.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety is well aware of this so, with that in mind, it created the Make Minnesota Safe & Secure program.

The goal of the Make Minnesota Safe & Secure program is to get gun locks into the hands of every Minnesota gun owner who doesn't already have one. The program boasts it has given away more than 50,000 gun locks since August 2022 and more are being given away right now across Minnesota, including Duluth.

Why Firearm Security and Storage Matters

Make Minnesota Safe & Secure reiterates that a key part of responsible gun ownership is securing and storing guns while they are not in use, especially when there are kids around.

You may have talked to kids endlessly about gun safety, but there naturally curious and don't understand how dangerous guns truly are. Experts say if kids find a gun, they will play with it and there are too many horror stories about kids accidentally hurting or killing themselves or someone else after discovering a loaded gun.

A gun in the house can be used to hurt or kill someone when:

  • A depressed teen or adult feels suicidal and there is a gun readily available.
  • A family argument gets out of control.
  • A family member or friend is mistaken for an intruder.
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Safe storage, including using gun locks, can prevent tragedies like these, and now is the time to get a free gun lock.

Duluth Police Department Announces Free Gun Locks Are Now Available

This week, the Duluth Police Department announced it had partnered with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to help provide "extra security to members of our community."

While supplies, community members can pick up a free cable gun lock at the Public Safety Building, located at 2030 N Arlington Avenue in Duluth.


The building is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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The Minnesota Department of Public Safety created the video below which explains how to use the locks.

Remember, they are only available while supplies last, so if you need a free gun lock don't wait long to stop by and get yours.

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