A local coalition of faith organizations is raising money to sponsor a “no questions asked” gun buyback program in Germantown in April, in partnership with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department and the Montgomery County Office of the State’s Attorney.
The D.C. Area Interfaith Gun Violence Prevention Network is made up of churches, synagogues and temples across the area. The organization has raised more than $17,000 of its $30,000 goal to host a gun buyback from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 20 in the parking lot of the United Church of Christ of Seneca Valley, 13421 Clopper Road, Germantown.
The organization plans to collect up to 300 guns in exchange for grocery store gift cards. The guns will then be destroyed by the sheriff’s department, according to county Sheriff Maxwell Uy. The network has completed similar buybacks in Rockville, Upper Marlboro and Baltimore.
Community members can relinquish their guns anonymously and will be eligible to receive a $100 gift card for functioning handguns, rifles and shotguns, and a $200 gift card for functioning military assault-style weapons and privately manufactured firearms, commonly known as “ghost guns,” according to a press release.
“Every gun turned in is one less gun that could be used in a serious crime, homicide, suicide, or domestic violence incident, or accidentally discharged by a child,” the press release said. “Keeping guns off our community streets, out of the hands of our youth and out of our schools are our highest priorities. This is a great opportunity for any person who would like to dispose of an unwanted firearm voluntarily, anonymously, and safely.”
Donations to support the program are being accepted online.