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.
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.
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
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