In an ongoing effort to reduce the number of firearms on city streets, the Archdiocese of Baltimore will hold its third gun buyback event this Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Westside Shopping Center in Southwest Baltimore.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., residents are invited to turn in their guns—no questions asked—in exchange for cash. Gun owners will receive between $100 and $300 per weapon, depending on the type of firearm. All guns must be unloaded, in working condition, and stored in the trunk of the vehicle when arriving at the drive-up event. Officers from the Baltimore Police Department will collect the weapons.
Since launching the initiative, the Archdiocese has helped remove 646 firearms from circulation, including stolen guns and assault weapons. Funding for the buybacks—more than $150,000—has come from Catholic parishes and individual donors. Excess funds have gone toward supporting the families of homicide victims.
Saturday’s event will also include a community blessing and offerings of Naloxone kits, toiletries and refreshments. Elected officials and community leaders are expected at the 10 a.m. kickoff.
The gun buyback is part of the Archdiocese’s peace initiative aimed at addressing violence in Baltimore neighborhoods most affected by gun crime.
For more information, visit archbalt.org.
