A gun violence expert is offering free safety seminars in DeKalb County, Georgia, to help prevent gun violence caused by negligence
“If you need a license or education to drive a car, then why not a gun,” said Anthony Heywood, the gun expert, according to Fox 5 Atlanta.
Heywood said he has one thing constantly on his mind: “What are the things that you need to know to keep yourself safe and the people around you safe.”
“Carelessness with firearms leads to mistakes, which aren’t really mistakes, it’s carelessness, but you can’t say you’re sorry and make those things go away,” he added.
Heywood “owns Atlanta Defensive Firearm and Safety Training and after hearing about several shootings he wants to give back to his community by offering gun safety classes this Saturday and Sunday,” according to the report.
He said there are common sense and easy things gun owners tend to forget that result in deadly consequences.
“You do not point your gun at anything you are not willing to destroy people or property. Keep your hand off the trigger and outside the trigger guard,” Heywood explained.
Heywood noted that since schools are out for summer, it’s especially important to ensure that weapons are being properly stored.
“Kids climb, so a lot of people think if they put it on the dresser, or refrigerator, they won’t get up there. Kids are naturally inquisitive, and they will get up there and find it,” Heywood said.
He added that he hopes his classes will help reduce gun deaths.
“I would much rather people walk away learning how to be aware and safe than learning how to be a marksman. I can teach both, but I rather teach how to be aware and safe,” Heywood said.
