San Mateo County voluntary gun buyback event nets nearly 250 weapons surrendered

Nearly 250 firearms were surrendered during a gun buyback event hosted by the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office in Belmont, demonstrating strong community participation. Participants received between $50 and $200 for each firearm, which included nine assault weapons and 12 3D-printed guns. The Sheriff’s Office is currently processing the firearms for destruction and accepted unused ammunition for safe disposal. Volunteers from Citizens for a San Mateo County Gun Buyback distributed free gun locks and shared information about safe firearm storage and gun safety protocols. Since the program's launch in 2018, the Sheriff’s Office has collected over 3,000 firearms, reflecting its commitment to reducing gun-related incidents.

The event serves as a proactive measure to enhance community safety and promote responsible gun ownership. Local officials emphasize that such initiatives are vital in addressing firearm-related issues. The successful turnout indicates a community willing to engage in efforts to improve public safety.