Success for KPD’s Second Guns for Gift Cards Exchange

Published on July 26, 2022

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Kirkland Police Department (KPD) held its second Guns for Gift Cards exchange on Wednesday, July 20, and took in 60 firearms in exchange for $6,975 worth of gift cards in less than two hours. KPD had to close the event earlier than anticipated after nearly running out of gift cards. This event followed KPD’s first gun exchange in June.

“Giving residents the opportunity to dispose of unwanted guns is just one step we can take towards helping to prevent suicides and accidental firearm injuries in Kirkland,” said Councilmember Jon Pascal. “We’re glad to see such high level of participation by community members.”

On July 20, KPD took in approximately 60 firearms from 21 participants and gave out $6,975 worth of gift cards. Firearms turned in:

  • AR-15/AK-47 type firearms: 2
  • Handguns: 34
  • Rifles/Shotguns:  22
  • Obviously non-functioning firearms/pellet guns: 2

At KPD’s first gun exchange event on June 25, 45 participants turned in 91 firearms for $11,375 worth of gift cards. The breakdown of firearms included:

  • AR-15/AK-47 type firearms: 3
  • Handguns: 32
  • Rifles/Shotguns:47
  • Obviously non-functioning firearms/pellet guns: 9  

The combined totals for KPD’s two Guns for Gift Cards exchanges:

  • 91 firearms (1st) + 60 firearms (2nd) = 151 firearms
  • $11,375 (1st) + $6,975 (2nd) = $18,350 worth of gift cards given out

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

KPD is planning to hold another gun exchange in September.

Guns for Gift Cards exchanges, along with in-person gun safety classes and a series of firearms safety videos published over the last year and a half, are part of KPD’s ongoing efforts to reduce gun violence and unwanted firearms in our community. These firearm safety programs are funded by Police Proposition 1, approved by Kirkland voters in 2018, which has allowed the City to make several enhancements to public safety.

See more information about KPD’s Guns for Gift Cards.

 

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