Federal gun safety law introduced

WASHINGTON — Connecticut lawmakers announced Tuesday that they have introduced a federal version of “Ethan’s Law” in the House and Senate modeled after legislation nearing passage in Connecticut to require gun owners to safely store their weapons away from children.

Mike and Kristin Song of Guilford, whose son Ethan was killed by an accidental gunshot at a neighbor’s home in 2018, retold the tragic story at a press conference outside the U.S. Capitol, where members of the Connecticut delegation were joined by other gun safety advocates to announce the introduction of the bill.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro, who is leading the House effort to pass the bill, teared up as Kristin Song spoke — telling how her 15-year old son had walked to a neighbor’s home to visit a friend where unbeknownst to her the father there kept three guns stored in a cardboard box with ammunition. “It was only a matter of time before someone got shot. Tragically, it was my son,” she said.

The boys got hold of the weapons and a gun accidentally fired. The bullet struck Ethan fatally. At the hospital, Kristin said she knew it was terribly serious when nurses and doctors avoided making eye contact and did not rush her to Ethan’s side. An emergency room doctor confirmed her fears.

Melissa Kane of Connecticut Against Gun Violence said the Songs have bravely retold the story many times as they advocated for legislation to prevent similar tragedies from occurring. Kane was with them at the House earlier this month when the House voted 127-16 to approve the bill to require gun owners to safely store untended firearms, loaded or unloaded. They expect the state Senate will soon approve the bill.