In a concerning turn of events, approximately 61,000 biometric gun safes manufactured by Fortress Safe have been recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). This recall comes following the unfortunate shooting death of a 12-year-old boy. The CPSC announced the recall on Thursday, citing the potential risk of serious injury and even death due to the safes' faulty biometric lock system.

According to a statement released by the commission, unauthorized users can easily open the biometric lock on these safes, creating a dangerous situation. The default setting on the lock can be misconstrued by consumers, leading to a false sense of security. This flaw allows individuals, including children, to effortlessly access the firearms within the safes.

The CPSC highlighted a recent lawsuit that alleges a 12-year-old boy lost his life due to a firearm acquired from one of these vulnerable safes. Additionally, 39 incidents have been reported by users who claim that their safes were accessed by unpaired fingerprints.

For those who possess these specific safes, the commission advises immediate discontinuation of the use of the biometric reader, removal of the batteries, and contacting Fortress for a free replacement.

This recall arrives amid a concerning surge in firearm-related deaths among children in recent years. A study published in the American Academy of Pediatrics in August revealed that gun deaths among children soared to a staggering total of 4,752 in 2021, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This figure surpasses the previous record set in 2020.

Further adding to the alarming statistics, a separate study conducted by the Pew Research Center in April uncovered a 50 percent increase in deaths among U.S. children and teenagers between 2019 and 2021.

The CPSC's recall of these 61,000 biometric gun safes serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of product safety, particularly when it comes to firearms and the protection of children. It is imperative for manufacturers to ensure the integrity and reliability of their products to prevent tragic incidents and safeguard lives.