County of Santa Clara Announces San José Gun Buyback Event: December 2, 2023 at Reid-Hillview County Airport
In partnership with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, we are pleased to announce the upcoming Gun Buyback Event, set to take place on December 2, 2023, at Reid-Hillview County Airport in San José. This community-driven initiative aims to enhance public safety by providing a secure and anonymous opportunity for individuals to turn in firearms they no longer want or need.
The event will run from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM and is open to all residents of Santa Clara County. Participants are encouraged to bring any unwanted firearms, including handguns, rifles, shotguns, and assault weapons. To ensure a safer community, individuals can surrender their firearms with no questions asked and without fear of legal repercussions.
“Reducing the number of unsecured firearms in our community is paramount to ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents. The Gun Buyback program provides a crucial opportunity for individuals to responsibly dispose of unwanted firearms, preventing accidents, gun thefts, and potentially harmful situations. By working together through initiatives like this, we can make a significant impact in creating a safer environment for everyone,” said Sheriff Jonsen.
Participants will receive a cash incentive in exchange for turning in their firearms. The compensation amount will vary depending on the type of firearm, as determined by law enforcement professionals onsite. Additionally, non-functional firearms and ammunition can also be turned in for proper disposal.
It is important to note that all firearms collected during this event will be properly and safely destroyed. This initiative serves as a proactive measure to ensure that these firearms do not find their way back into circulation illegally, preventing accidents, and reducing the risk of impulsive acts of self-harm.
The Gun Buyback Event at Reid Hillview Airport is organized in partnership with the San José Police Department, Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office, Behavioral Health Services, Santa Clara County Roads & Airports, and the Offices of County Supervisor Otto Lee, San José Councilmember Omar Torres, and San José Councilmember Domingo Candelas. The collaboration among these entities is a testament to their unified commitment to public safety and reducing gun violence.
“I’m excited for our first buyback in San José in many years. We organized the first buybacks since the COVID pandemic in 2022 in Milpitas and Morgan Hill, where we collected more than 700 firearms – including 26 assault-style weapons, 7 illegal ghost-guns, and even a sawed-off shotgun. Special thanks to our local law enforcement agencies for working together to prevent self-harm, accidental shootings, and violence in our homes,” added Supervisor Otto Lee.
The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office will be distributing gun locks at the event while supplies last. Gun locks are crucial for gun safe gun storage. They will also be handing out information on safe firearm storage and gun violence restraining orders from San Jose Police crime prevention and the County Public Health Department, as well as mental health, suicide prevention, and gun safety resources from the County Behavioral Health Services Department.
Santa Clara County residents are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to help make our community safer. We encourage individuals to spread the word about this event and invite their friends, family, and neighbors to participate.
On November 29, 2023, a Press Conference will be held in front of the Sheriff’s Office, located at 55 W. Younger Avenue from 3:00 – 4:00 PM, in collaboration with all partners involved.
What:
Gun Buyback Event
When:
Saturday, December 2, 2023
Reid-Hillview County Airport
2500 Cunningham Avenue, San José, CA 95148
8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Money/Compensation:
$100 for handguns, rifles, and shotguns
$200 for ghost guns and assault weapons
Details:
For compensation, firearms must be functional. Limit 5 firearms per person.
All firearms must be unloaded and transported in the trunk of your car. You must remain in your car. Funds are limited to a first come, first serve basis until funds run out. We reserve the right to limit the funds paid to an individual.
Partners:
Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office
San José Police Department
Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office
County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services
District 3 County Supervisor Otto Lee
District 3 San José Councilmember Omar Torres
District 8 San José Councilmember Domingo Candelas
Santa Clara County Roads & Airports
