Effort in Ariz. Would Give Residents Free Shotguns

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) -- A former mayoral candidate in Tucson, Ariz., is launching a privately funded program to provide residents of crime-prone areas with free shotguns so they can defend themselves against criminals.

Shaun McClusky said the program modeled after one recently launched in Houston would provide training and enough money to buy a basic shotgun to residents who pass background checks, the Arizona Daily Star (http://bit.ly/10hCTiP) reported Wednesday.

Donors have committed about $12,000 to the program that McClusky said could start handing out guns within 60 days, the newspaper said.

McClusky said citizens need to do more to protect themselves because city government is failing to do the job.
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