This news item expired on Saturday, June 28, 2025 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
So far, the Buncombe County Register of Deeds has recorded 44 death certificates that showed someone died by a gun in 2024, with the youngest decedent only 16 years old and the oldest 94 years old.
Buncombe County is working to end deaths by guns, including suicides, accidents, and gun violence, with evidence-based solutions. Safe handling, proper storage, and responsible ownership practices are essential to ensure that guns are used for their intended purposes without causing harm. We know that gun safety is crucial for individual and community well-being because it minimizes the risk of accidents, injuries, and violence associated with firearms.
On Tuesday, June 3, partners in Buncombe County kick off a month of events to recognize and honor June as Gun Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. These events aim to bring the community together to recognize those impacted by gun violence, honor the lives lost to gun violence in Buncombe County, commit to reducing gun violence, and pledge to do all we can to keep firearms out of the wrong hands and encourage gun owners to commit to safely storing their guns.
Gun safety events you can join to show your support include:
Tuesday, June 3:
- 12:30 p.m.: Wear Orange Photo at Pack Square Park steps
- 2 – 6 p.m.: Asheville Police Department hosts a NC S.A.F.E. Event at Sportsman Warehouse at the Tanger Outlets
- 5 p.m.: Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will issue a proclamation to recognize June 1–7 as NC S.A.F.E. Week of Action and June 2025 to be Gun Violence Prevention and Awareness Month
Saturday, June 7
- 12:30- 3:30 p.m.: Guns to Gardens Safe Surrender Event at First Baptist Church of Asheville. Community members can bring unloaded guns to the drive-thru-style event, where the surrendered guns will be turned into garden tools.
Saturday, June 28:
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11 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Family Fun & Safety First event hosted by Community-Based Public Health response to Violence (CPrV) partners, including the PEACE Team, a collaboration of YTL, Sparc Foundation, My Daddy Taught Me That and Buncombe County. Family Fun Day with Safety First is a free, family-friendly community event focused on fun, connection, and safety education. This event at Martin Luther King Junior Park will bring together families, youth, community members and organizations, law enforcement, and juvenile justice system partners to share the importance of gun violence prevention and enjoy a celebratory and safe summer. More details on this event are upcoming!
These events are part of the NC S.A.F.E. (Secure All Firearms Effectively) initiative to promote safe firearm storage across North Carolina. The initiative emphasizes the need to reduce firearm-related accidents and deaths, especially among children and youth. By securing firearms effectively, we can prevent them from falling into the wrong hands and reduce the risk of tragic incidents. The NC S.A.F.E. initiative provides resources and guidance on best practices for firearm storage, an essential aspect of responsible gun ownership.
For more information about the event, please contact Community Safety and Violence Prevention Coordinator William Baxter at William.baxter@buncombenc.gov.