Chicago Activist Andrew Holmes To Pass Out Gun Locks, Easter Baskets

CHICAGO — For many years, community activist Andrew Holmes has distributed gun locks to South Side neighborhoods to prevent accidental shootings, suicides and deaths, especially in homes where young children and teens are present.

The Andrew Holmes Foundation plans to distribute 1,500 Easter baskets and 2,000 gun locks Saturday, April 16, in Chicago’s Ashburn neighborhood. Starting at 11 a.m., kids can pick up an Easter basket and their parents a gun lock while supplies last at the Black Fire Brigade, 8404 S. Kedzie Ave., Chicago.

"Accidents happen when you have an unsecured gun lying around the house that does not have a lock on it," Holmes said. "I want to keep up the alert that you have to keep these weapons away from your loved ones. It doesn't take a child long to discharge a gun."

Holmes, who has lost two family members to gun violence, works with the FBI and the Chicago Police Department to strengthen relationships in the communities they serve. He is often one of the first on the scene where gun violence has occurred, advocating for community members and comforting gunshot victims' loved ones.

Joining Holmes for Saturday's basket and gun lock giveaway are NFL player Michael Schofield and Kendall Coyne Schofield, captain of Team USA Women's Hockey Team.

"Even with this lock, you still should take precautions," Holmes said. "Lock it and put in a place where children and teens can't get to it to be on the safe side."