No-questions-asked gun buyback event planned for August; $100 and $200 gift cards offered in exchange for firearms

These events have generally been met with mixed reviews, given the widespread criticism on social media, but more than 300 guns have been turned in at the previous two gun buyback events in Rockville. More than 150 were turned in at an event in Germantown earlier this year.

According to the press release: “Rockville is offering community members the opportunity to voluntarily, anonymously and safely dispose of unwanted firearms through a gun buyback event taking place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 17 at RedGate Park, 14500 Avery Road.

The Rockville Police Department, in partnership with the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, is sponsoring the event, which allows community members to voluntarily drive up and drop off firearms with no identification required and no questions asked.

Community members will receive a $100 Visa gift card for serviceable handguns, rifles and shotguns, as well as $200 in Visa gift cards for serviceable assault weapons and privately manufactured firearms (ghost guns). Quantities of gift cards are limited and subject to availability. The RCPD will retain the final decision on which firearms are eligible for gift card issuance. Non-functioning firearms and ammunition will be accepted without compensation.

Rockville has had great success with two previous buybacks, with approximately 300 firearms surrendered each time. Each gun surrendered is one less weapon that could be used in a serious crime, suicide or domestic violence incident, or accidentally discharged by a child.

For more information, visit www.rockvillemd.gov/gunbuyback.