Kirkland's 'Guns For Gift Cards' Deemed Success; Third Event Planned

KIRKLAND, WA — Kirkland wrapped up its second "Guns for Gift Cards" exchange last week and took in another few dozen firearms in less than two hours, building on the success of its first gun buyback event last month.

Kirkland announced the voluntary gun exchange program earlier this year as part of a broader effort to reduce gun-related deaths.

"Kirkland experienced six gun-related suicides since 2020," said Kirkland Deputy Mayor Jay Arnold in June. "Encouraging community members to voluntarily relinquish ownership of unwanted guns is one step we can take to help reduce the likelihood of accidental injuries and suicides by firearms."

"Guns for Gift Cards proved immediately popular, with the June 25 event collecting 91 firearms and paying out more than $11,000 in Visa gift cards. Values ranged from $250 for "AR or AK style rifles," $200 for handguns, $100 for bolt-action rifles and shotguns, and $25 for non-working firearms and pellet guns.

Both events took place at the Kirkland Justice Center, and visitors needed only bring proof of residency and load their unwanted firearms in the back of their car.

In a news release Tuesday, city officials said another 21 residents turned in 60 firearms at the July event, which paid out nearly $7,000 in gift cards. The two events combined provided more than $18,000 in payments and netted 151 weapons.

“After our first, successful gun exchange in June, we weren’t sure what the community response would be to a second event.” said Kirkland Police Chief Cherie Harris. “But now we do. Clearly this service is important for those with unwanted guns.”

Residents who want to participate in the future will have another chance in September, and specific details will be shared closer to the event. Updates will be posted on the city's official website.