Local & Community
Pierces Pledge: Palm Springs Police Launch Free and Confidential Gun Storage for Families in Crisis
The Palm Springs Police Department is rolling out a proactive public safety initiative tonight aimed at reducing domestic tragedies, accidental shootings, and suicides. Known as Pierces Pledge, the voluntary gun safety program gives local residents a completely free and confidential resource to temporarily remove firearms from their homes during times of crisis. Under the guidelines of the initiative, gun owners can surrender their weapons to law enforcement for secure storage for up to one year without facing fees or legal tracking.
The expanding public safety campaign was inspired by Lesley Hu, a California mother who suffered an unimaginable loss. Hu's nine-year-old son, Pierce, was shot and killed by his father during a highly volatile family custody dispute before the father died by suicide. Determined to channel her grief into a lasting protective legacy for other children, Hu founded the non-profit organization Pierces Pledge. The group advocates for community risk management by working with law enforcement agencies, family law attorneys, and mediators to encourage parents to voluntarily separate themselves from firearms during emotionally charged or tumultuous household transitions.
The program addresses critical periods where having a lethal weapon in the house drastically increases the likelihood of a fatal outcome. Local authorities emphasize that the storage resource is especially vital for families navigating contentious divorces or dealing with adolescents experiencing acute mental health struggles. Hu explained that when a teenager is going through a severe emotional breakdown, a family should recognize that volatile moment and proactively choose to store their firearms with the police department until the child is in a healthier, more stable frame of mind. She stressed that responsible gun ownership includes knowing when having a weapon out of the house is safer than having it in.
Palm Springs city leaders are scheduled to receive a comprehensive presentation on the implementation of the initiative during the City Council meeting on Wednesday evening. Deputy Chief Kyle Stjerne stated that providing a secure, off-site alternative for voluntary firearm storage serves as an invaluable tool for families when baseline circumstances at home shift unexpectedly. Once the one-year storage period nears its conclusion, the police department will reach out to the owner with explicit instructions on how to safely reclaim the property, provided they remain legally eligible to possess a firearm. If the owner prefers not to bring the weapon back into the home, they are permitted to sell or transfer the title to a federally licensed firearms dealer.
Explore NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
June 10, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Former Silvercrest CEO, William Rodriguez is expected back in court today in connection with the deadly 2024 Cathedral City hit and run that killed a woman. The murder charge was dismissed, but Rodriguez still faces felony hit and run and suspended license charges.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Murder suspect Vicky Kim has once again not been cleared to appear in court. Kim is accused of killing her husband at their Palm Desert condominium complex. Her arraignment has now been delayed three times. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we track the latest developments in this case. #VickyKim #PalmDesert #CoachellaValley #BreakingNews #CourtUpdate NBCPalmSprings
Palm Springs is mourning the loss of beloved entertainer James “Gypsy” Haake, who has died at 94. Haake began his entertainment career at just 19 years old as a Broadway chorus dancer. After retiring from the stage, he returned to performing at 82, becoming the host of Carnival Cabaret at Oscars in downtown Palm Springs. A longtime friend of our station, Haake was a familiar and beloved figure in the Palm Springs entertainment community — and his contributions were recognized with a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. His career spanned more than seven decades, proving that the spotlight never truly left him. ❤️ Rest in peace, James “Gypsy” Haake. Your legacy will live on in Palm Springs. #JamesGypsyHaake #PalmSprings #PalmSpringsWalkOfStars #CarnivalCabaret #PalmSpringsEntertainment #OscarsPalmSprings #PalmSpringsHistory
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Sterling Conley with the rushing TD, 2) Marcus Kennedy with the touchdown catch, 3) Cade Pinon with the big time sack, 4) Kingston Pellum with the pick-6, or 5) Caleb Hartwell with the saving throw #fypage #fridaynightlights #football #hondaofthedesert #highschoolfootball
James Nellis from @dsrt_club_lq and @rd_rnnr_lq makes us one of his signature dishes, his Maine scallops with hibiscus puree. His creativity and skill lead to unique bold flavors and scrumptious dishes. We chat about his love of trying new things in the kitchen, what being a chef means to him, and how food can different, flavorful, and fun. This is James Nellis on a plate. See it now on nbcpalmsprings.com
At the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, first responders, families and community members came together to honor the lives lost—and the heroes who answered the call 25 years ago on September 11, 2001. Two first responders who responded to opposite sides of the World Trade Center met for the first time at the event, sharing a powerful moment of remembrance and connection. 26 flights. Three times. One enduring message: Never Forget. #NeverForget #September11 #911Memorial #MemorialStairClimb #FirstResponders HonorAndRemember 911
Palm Desert’s future takes center stage next week. The Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 2026 State of the City Address & Luncheon on Friday, September 18, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort. The event brings together local business leaders, community members and city stakeholders for an inside look at the priorities, opportunities and future of Palm Desert. Friday, September 18 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort Palm Desert Individual tickets are $85 for Chamber members and $95 for non-members. Get the details and registration information from the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce. #PalmDesert #StateOfTheCity #CoachellaValley #PalmDesertBusiness #GreaterPalmSprings #PalmDesertChamber
25 years later, the memories of 9/11 remain vivid for the firefighters who witnessed the tragedy firsthand. A longtime FDNY firefighter reflects on the trauma, loss and moments that have stayed with him a quarter-century after the attacks. #911 #September11 #NeverForget #FDNY #Firefighter #911Anniversary #25YearsLater #NewYorkCity #Remembering911 #NBCTPalmSprings