Third annual gun buyback scheduled for Aug. 9 July 24, 2025By Katie V. Jones Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Gun Violence, Local News, News The Archdiocese of Baltimore will hold its third annual gun buyback event Aug. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Westside Shopping Center, 2413 Frederick Ave. Father Mike Murphy, pastor of Our Lady of Victory in Arbutus and St. Joseph Monastery in Southwest Baltimore, speaks at the Archdiocese of Baltimore gun buyback initiative Aug. 10, 2024, at the Edmonson Square Shopping Center in West Baltimore. (Kevin J. Parks/CR Staff) While removing guns from the streets is the main goal of the event, there are other facets too, according to Father Mike Murphy, pastor of Our Lady of Victory in Arbutus and St. Joseph Monastery in Southwest Baltimore, and an organizer of the event. “It is a call for peace in our city,” Father Murphy said. “By being present and doing it, it brings attention to the need for peace. It is a powerful statement.” More than 600 guns were collected during the archdiocese’s previous gun buybacks, Father Murphy said, and he is hoping to collect at least 300 or more this time. “I hope and pray we get a lot of weapons turned in. Even a few, they are out of homes and off the street,” Father Murphy said, noting that removing guns also might also help prevent suicides and domestic violence. A Baltimore City Police Department tactical unit carries three handguns that were surrendered in what appears to be a freezer bag box during the Archdiocese of Baltimore gun buyback initiative Aug. 10, 2024. (Kevin J. Parks/CR Staff) As it is a drive-up event, guns should be unloaded and transported in the trunks of vehicles. No guns will be accepted from walk-ups. All guns will be collected and inspected by Baltimore City Police with no questions asked. “The Baltimore Police have been tremendous to work with,” Father Murphy said. “Without them, we couldn’t do it.” Up to three working guns can be turned in for payment, with $100 for revolvers, $150 for shotguns, $200 for handguns and semi-automatics, and $300 for AR15s given while funds last. “Right now, we have raised $60,000, right where we were last year,” Father Murphy said July 22. Funds are provided through parishes, Father Murphy’s contacts, individuals and religious orders. Any remaining funds after the gun buyback are donated to the archdiocese’s grief ministry program. Previously held at Edmonson Village, the gun buyback was relocated to Westside Shopping Center this year as a new store moved into the former location. Though it is a drive-up event, there are plans to feature some vendors, Father Murphy said, and free Narcan kits will be available. “The archdiocese always supports us,” Father Murphy said. “It is a good way for the church to be out and visible.” Email Katie V. Jones at kjones@CatholicReview.org Read More Gun Violence Parishioners remember fallen pastor, fatally shot a year ago, and continue to heal Catholics express grief, warn of politicizing immigration issue in murder of Loyola student Annunciation shooting showed online violent radicalization at work, expert says Empty school desks on Minnesota Capitol grounds signify children lost to gun violence Sacramento Catholic school averts possible shooting at Mass, thanks to astute parent Young man doing community service shot dead while painting chapel in Puebla, Mexico Copyright © 2025 Catholic Review Media Print
