Gun, ammo return program approved in King County

KING COUNTY, Wash. — A measure to establish a voluntary safe gun and ammunition return program in King County is now permanent.

On Tuesday, the King County Council unanimously approved the measure, allowing the return of guns and ammo to the King County Sheriff’s Office.

While the program will allow people to take unwanted guns or ammunition to any precinct or storefront operated by the sheriff’s office, the legislation includes the exploration of partnering with cities in the county to expand the return of guns and ammo.

According to the King County Council, the U.S. has seen more than 356 mass shootings so far this year.

“Our communities in King County, like communities around the country, have experienced a painful spike in gun violence since the start of the pandemic,” said Renée Hopkins, CEO of the Alliance for Gun Responsibility. “We know that it will take a comprehensive, public health response to address this urgent crisis. Offering residents a safe, consistent option for returning unwanted firearms and ammunition is an important part of that public health approach.”

From 2017 to 2020, the number of overall shooting victims in the county increased 70%, while shooting fatalities grew by 54%, according to a release from the council.

Councilmembers said past gun and ammunition return programs have proven to be successful, including a 2013 gun buyback program coordinated by King County and the city of Seattle that resulted in 716 guns being given over to law enforcement.

The measure was sponsored by King County councilmembers Rod Dembowski, Jeanne Kohl-Welles, Joe McDermott, Girmay Zahilay, Sarah Perry and Claudia Balducci.

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