Gun Buyback Event In San Mateo County Yields Over 400 Firearms

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — A gun buyback event in San Mateo County on Saturday collected a total of 392 firearms, according to the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office.

The number is a dip from the 425 firearms collected during the last gun buyback event last December.

The firearms collected included seven assault weapons and 12 “ghost” guns. The event was held at the North County Courthouse parking lot in South San Francisco.

"The purpose of the gun buyback program is to make the County of San Mateo safer for those who live and work here,” San Mateo County Sheriff Carlos Bolanos said. “Many households in the county have unwanted, unused and unsecured guns. The purpose of the gun buyback is to get rid of guns, no questions asked. We are providing a place for people to come and dispose of them and get some money in return. We feel this will improve public safety in our county."

No questions were asked for people who surrendered their weapons. People received $100 in cash for handguns, shotguns or rifles, and $200 cash for assault weapons and "ghost guns."

The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, South San Francisco Police Department, San Bruno Police Department and Citizens for San Mateo Gun Buyback sponsored the event.

There will be another gun buyback event later this year, according to the sheriff’s office.