Montgomery County DA Hosting Free Gun Collection Event

NORRISTOWN, PA — Officials in Montgomery County are collecting unwanted guns in an effort to reduce "family fire."

"Operation Safe Homes," organized by the District Attorney's Office, will be held on Wednesday, Sept 12 and Saturday, Sept. 15 at police departments around the county.

“The accidental death or injury of a child due to a gunshot is a family tragedy that is avoidable, and it happens eight times every single day in the United States when a child finds a gun in his house and accidentally shoots himself or herself,” DA Kevin Steele said in a statement. “It’s a tragedy we are hoping to avoid in Montgomery County. This is an event to get unwanted guns out of houses and have them safely destroyed so they don’t end up in the hands of curious little ones or the hands of criminals.”

The event is free of charge. All collected firearms will be melted down and destroyed, authorities said.

It is connected to the End Family Fire Campaign, launched by the Ad Council to promote responsible gun ownership and prevent accidental gun-related injuries in or near homes.

Locations where the event will take place include:

• Abington Township Police Department, 1166 Old York Road, Abington
• Lower Merion Township Police Department, 71 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore
• Lower Salford Township Police Department, 349 Main Street, Harleysville
• Pottstown Borough Police Department, 100 E. High Street, Pottstown
• Upper Merion Township Police Department, 100 West Valley Forge Road, King of Prussia
• Whitpain Township Police Department, 960 Wentz Road, Blue Bell

Image via Montgomery County District Attorney's Office