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King County hosts public health gun buy back in support of Suicide Prevention Month
September is Suicide Prevention Month, and in Shoreline on Saturday, King County held a public health gun buy back event. According to the CDC, suicide has accounted for the majority of firearm deaths every year since 1995.
SHORELINE, Wash. - King County deputies and public health officials collected firearms from local residents during an anonymous, drive-through gun buyback event at Shoreline Community College.
Vehicles wrapped around the block as participants lined up to turn in weapons with no identification or registration required.
Gift Cards Issued for Firearms
What we know:
In exchange for handed-over weapons, organizers distributed Visa gift cards valued between $25 and $300. Payout amounts depended on the type of firearm provided, including pistols, rifles, and antique guns.
Deputies searched vehicles and removed weapons from trunks as residents drove through the collection line.
Some participants traveled from as far as Puyallup, including attendees seeking financial compensation for unused firearms.
Focus on Suicide Prevention
Dig deeper:
Organizers emphasized that public health and safety were the primary drivers behind the event. Eleuthera Lisch of Seattle & King County Public Health highlighted mental health support and suicide prevention as central motivations for removing unneeded firearms from homes.
Firearms Scheduled for Destruction
Following collection, officials send the surrendered weapons to be broken down and permanently destroyed.
An exception is made for firearms that meet state criteria for antiques. Those specific weapons are auctioned off and sold out of state.
Next Buyback Date and Resources
What's next:
King County plans to host another anonymous gun buyback event on Oct. 17 in Burien.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free, confidential support available 24/7.
The Source: Information for this story came from original reporting by FOX 13 Seattle's Sam Campbell, who talked with King County public health officials and King County residents who attended the buyback.
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