Gun Rights Group Files Injunction Against Fredericksburg Police Gun Giveback Event

A Virginia gun rights group has filed a complaint attempting to stop Fredericksburg Police from collecting unwanted guns at their Gun Giveback event this weekend.

The Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL), along with firearms dealer Patricia Webb, filed for temporary or permanent injunction against The Fredericksburg City Police Department, saying the police are not following state regulations for gun buyback events.

The complaint written by the VCDL points out that their main concern is the police department’s statement on Facebook that guns given during the event will not be offered in auction before being destroyed.

Not offering the guns to public auction is illegal, the VCDL says, because of a section of Virginia State Code that says no locality can offer something of value from another individual or entity for a firearm.

The VCDL claims that the police department’s promise that local philanthropist Dorris Buffet will donate $100 to one of four charities for every gun given up at the event constitutes a “thing of value.”

Guns turned in at the event, The VCDL states in their complaint, may be valuable to firearm collectors and dealers. Family members who inherited guns tend to turn in old, unused firearms at buyback events without knowing the gun’s value.

“Occasionally, one of these old and unused firearms will be a one-of-a-kind collectible that is irreplaceable,” the complaint said. It continues to state that some guns may also hold historical significance.

The injunction will be decided at a hearing at Fredericksburg Circuit Court at 1 p.m. on Thursday, according to Fredericksburg.com.

image via shutterstock