Kirkland Police Celebrate Successful Gun Exchange

KIRKLAND, WA — Kirkland's "Gun for Gift Cards" program was a resounding success over the weekend, drawing dozens of residents to the Kirkland Justice Center on Saturday for the region's first firearms exchange event in nearly a decade.

The Kirkland Police Department announced the event earlier this month as part of the city's broader efforts to reduce gun violence, and residents were eligible to receive Visa gift cards valued between $50 and $250 for each firearm.

All told, police said 45 people participated in Saturday's event and exchanged 91 guns for a combined $11,375. In a news release, city officials said they received more firearms than anticipated, including three "AR-15/AK-47 type firearms," 47 rifles and shotguns, 32 handguns, and nine non-functioning or pellet guns.

Related: King County Considers Gun & Ammo Return Program

"With these guns out of our community, we are one step closer to helping reduce the likelihood of accidental injuries, violent crimes, and suicides by firearms in our City," said Kirkland City Councilmember Amy Falcone. "Public safety is our highest priority, and the potential for preventing gun-related deaths in our community makes this event a success."

Before Saturday, Kirkland officials said the last gun Puget Sound's last voluntary gun buyback event occurred in Seattle back in 2013.

Those who missed out on Saturday will have another chance next month to participate:

• Where: Kirkland Justice Center (11740 NE 118th Street)
• When: Wednesday, July 20, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
• Pricing:
  • Obvious non-working firearms and pellet guns: $25
  • Bolt-action rifles and shotguns: $100
  • Handguns: $200
  • Rifles (AR or AK style rifles): $250
• More info here.