Program born from tragedy aims to prevent firearm-related deaths when home situations become volatile
Palm Springs, CA
The Palm Springs Police Department is set to launch Pierce’s Pledge Gun Safety Storage Program, offering residents a free, voluntary option to temporarily surrender firearms for secure storage at the Department for up to one year at no cost.
The program arrives in Palm Springs through a partnership with Lesley Hu and Pierce’s Pledge, the nonprofit organization Hu founded after her 9-year-old son, Pierce, was killed by his father during a family law dispute in San Francisco. The initiative is designed to prevent similar tragedies by giving community members a safe and practical option to remove firearms from the home when circumstances change.
“We created Pierce’s Pledge to prevent the kind of tragedy our family endured,” said Hu. “Our partnership with law enforcement sends a powerful message that protecting children and families during volatile circumstances is a shared responsibility. Responsible gun ownership includes knowing when having the gun out of the house is safer than having it in.”
The Palm Springs program mirrors the model already championed by the San Francisco Police Department, providing residents with a resource during moments when a firearm’s presence in the home may pose a risk — whether due to a mental health concern, a domestic dispute, or another change in living situation.
“The Palm Springs Police Department is proud to work with Lesley Hu and Pierce’s Pledge to bring this meaningful program to our community,” said Palm Springs Deputy Chief Kyle Stjerne. “Providing a secure option for voluntary firearm storage can help prevent tragedy and give families an important resource when circumstances at home change.”
The announcement coincides with the 12th annual National Gun Violence Awareness Day on June 5, 2026, and Wear Orange Weekend on June 6 and 7 — a national observance dedicated to raising awareness about gun violence and honoring its victims.
Under the program, surrendered firearms will be securely maintained by the Palm Springs Police Department for up to one year. Before that deadline, owners will be contacted with instructions on how to reclaim their firearm if they remain legally eligible to do so. Owners who choose not to reclaim their firearm may also arrange to sell or transfer it to a federally licensed firearms dealer, provided the firearm is legal to own and the individual has the legal right to transfer it.
The Police Department will formally present the program to the Palm Springs City Council at its meeting on Tuesday, June 10, 2026. Following the presentation, Hu and Deputy Chief Stjerne will be available to speak with members of the media.
Residents seeking more information about the Pierce’s Pledge Gun Safety Storage Program are encouraged to contact the Palm Springs Police Department.