Gift Cards for Guns Collects 323 Weapons: Police

An effort to curb gun violence in Prince George’s County collected 323 guns Saturday during a gun buy-back program supported by two churches.

Prince George’s County Police say the “Gift Cards for Guns” event distributed $32,000 worth of gift cards thanks to the First Baptist Church of Glenarden and Zion Church

Officers accepted guns from anyone who wanted to trade them in. In return, those who surrendered guns received a gift card valued at $50, $100 or $150, depending on the type of gun.

The department said Monday it has collected about 1,000 guns since the program began in 2012.

“This was our most successful event yet. The guns and ammo will be destroyed,” police said. “We are thankful to all who participated on every level.”

Unwanted ammunition, BB and pellet guns were also accepted at the event, held at First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Upper Marlboro.

»Photos from Saturday’s “Gift Cards for Guns” event, courtesy of Prince George’s County Police Facebook page