Press Conference April 7, 2026
- Deputy Jamie Burton
- 19 hours ago
- 2 min read
04/07/2026
Sheriff Lott holds a Press Conference at RCSD Headquarters to present partnership with Prisma Health for gun safety
Sheriff Leon Lott announces a partnership with Prisma Health hospital to disperse gun boxes and gun locks to citizens.
Prisma Health utilized a grant through the South Carolina Department of Public Health to purchase gun boxes and gun locks to encourage gun owners to properly secure firearms around children.
Over the past two years, 8 children have been injured in accidental shootings due to unsecured firearms. This type of injury is completely preventable if guns were stored properly.
“Secure gun storage saves lives, protects communities, and prevents crime. It’s a simple, responsible step that keeps firearms out of the wrong hands, reduces accidental injuries, and helps ensure families and neighborhoods remain safe,” Dr. Poornema Ramasamy, physician at Prism Health and Be SMART Volunteer Lead.
There are 180 gun boxes and locks available today. By the end of 2026, we plan to distribute close to 3000 gun lock boxes and 6500 cable style locks. These gun boxes can be secured in vehicles as well. From January of 2025 to date, there have been 66 firearms stolen from vehicles in Richland County.
RCSD’s Community Action Team will be located in front of RCSD Headquarters located at 5623 Two Notch Rd this evening from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. to disperse the gun boxes and gun locks.
The Community Action Team will also be at 518 Smokehouse located at 673 Chapin Rd. Chapin, SC 29036 at the Sheriff's Foundation Annual Car and Truck Show distributing the gun boxes and gun locks from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m this Sunday (04/12/26).
