MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Federal Way’s gun buyback runs out of gift cards early

Feb 5, 2023, 4:06 PM

Federal Way gun buyback...

Hundreds of unwanted firearms were turned in last February in Federal Way’s first ever gun buyback. (KIRO 7 News)

(KIRO 7 News)

FEDERAL WAY, Wash. — Hundreds of unwanted firearms were turned in Saturday in Federal Way’s first ever gun buyback.

Federal Way’s city coffers are $25,000 lighter as a long line of gun owners turned in their weapons for a gift card. It’s the latest city to hold a gun buyback in an effort to remove guns from the streets.

Follow this link to read additional stories from KIRO

They ran out of money early, about a half hour before the buyback ended.

But it is no surprise. The line around the parking lot was so long, some people waited for two hours or longer to get turn their weapons in for a gift card.

“My father passed away around 10 years ago,” said Ila Evans-Thompson. “And I found a gun in his briefcase.”

Evans-Thompson, who lives in Renton, waited in the line that snaked around the parking lot at Federal Way City Hall — in her possession, a weapon she did not want.

“I have two grandbabies now,” she said. “And I’d always wanted to get rid of that gun. So, this was the opportunity.”

In that, she had lots of company.

“My mother-in-law passed away about 10 years ago,” said Andy Santo Domingo, “and going through her belongings didn’t realize she owned a little handgun.”

Santo Domingo, a Sumner resident, had an unwanted gun, too.

“And I’ve been meaning to do this kind of a thing for quite some time,” he said.

“Oh, this is a great idea,” exclaimed John Butts of Federal Way. “Absolutely great idea because it gets guns off the street, out of people’s houses that probably someone might end up stealing someday, end up on the streets. Just glad to get rid of them.”

Like so many communities, South King County has seen an uptick in violent crime.

Last month, two armed men broke into a Federal Way mail salon after allegedly bursting into a smoke shop in Pacific.

They are still on the run.

Federal Way’s mayor says he pushed for this gun buyback, believing it will make a difference.

“We really want to avoid not only crime in the community,” said Mayor Jim Ferrell. “But also to prevent tragedies with young kids getting hold of firearms that are not secured or people going through issues.”

No matter what, they won’t have access to these.

The mayor says the money for the buyback came out the police department’s budget.

He says some guns will be melted down, but not all. Some could be repurposed by the local police department. And each one will be fired, with the bullet entered into a database to determine if it was used in a crime.

Follow this link to read additional stories from KIRO

MyNorthwest News

Everett boy missing...

Frank Sumrall

4-year-old Everett boy missing, police worried he’s in danger

Police and Search and Rescue crews are looking for a missing four-year-old boy they suspect could be in danger.

8 minutes ago

Image: The awnings of a store advertise the sale of lottery tickets, including Mega Millions and Po...

Steve Coogan

Lottery jackpots update: Powerball prize jumps again after $1.1B Mega Millions win

A lottery jackpots update: The Powerball prize reached an estimated $935 million ahead of Saturday night's drawing.

10 hours ago

Photo: The Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center....

James Lynch

King County’s plan to close youth detention center met with fierce backlash

The King County Law and Justice Committee received a final report on Executive Dow Constantine's plan to close a youth detention center.

11 hours ago

Image: A cargo ship is stuck under the part of the structure of the Francis Scott Key Bridge after ...

Associated Press

Authorities identify 2 bodies recovered at site of Baltimore bridge collapse

A major bridge in Baltimore snapped and collapsed after a container ship rammed into it early Tuesday, and several vehicles fell into the river below.

13 hours ago

Photo: Mountaineer Jim Whittaker has died at 95....

Gene Johnson, The Associated Press

Lou Whittaker, among the most famous American mountaineers, has died at age 95

Lou Whittaker, a legendary American mountaineer who helped lead ascents of Mount Everest, K2 and Denali, has died at age 95.

13 hours ago

File photo: Former Sen. Joe Lieberman speaks in Washington on Jan. 18, 2024....

Associated Press

Former Sen. Joe Lieberman, Democrats’ VP pick in 2000, dead at 82

Former U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, who nearly won the vice presidency on the Democratic ticket with Al Gore in 2000, has died.

14 hours ago

Federal Way’s gun buyback runs out of gift cards early