The Rockville City Police Department (RCPD) announced that 270 firearms were turned in during a gun buyback event held on Saturday at RedGate Park. Participants received a $100 Visa gift card for functional handguns, rifles, and shotguns, and $200 in Visa gift cards for functional assault-style weapons and privately manufactured firearms (ghost guns).
Per RCPD: “On August 17, 2024, the Rockville City Police Department and the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office held the 3rd annual gun buyback event at Redgate Park. Those voluntarily surrendering firearms were provided either a $100 or a $200 VISA gift card depending on the type of firearm surrendered. A $100 VISA gift card was provided in exchange for handguns, rifles, and shotguns. A $200 VISA gift card was provided for assault weapons and privately made firearms. Privately made firearms are commonly referred to as “ghost guns.” The RCPD collected approximately 270 firearms during the event. Those firearms are still being inventoried. All firearms collected will be sent for destruction within the next 48 hours.
The turnout was overwhelming with those surrendering firearms arriving over an hour before the event’s 9:00 a.m. kickoff. Those attending today’s event included various sworn and professional staff of the RCPD, elected Rockville City council members, and Deputy State’s Attorney Peter Feeney. Chief Victor Brito said, “This event was an incredible success and was made possible by our partnerships with the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office and Rockville City government.”