Bellevue residents can anonymously turn in unwanted firearms for prepaid Visa gift cards Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Bellevue Police Department's gun exchange event.
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at BPD headquarters, 11201 NE 33rd Place. According to the city's event page, participants must show proof they live in Bellevue or King County but may cover their names on the document. The department will not record names or run background checks.
Gift card values depend on the type of firearm turned in:
- Handguns: $200
- AR-15 or AK-47 style firearms: $300
- Rifles and shotguns: $100
- Antique, inoperable or junk guns: $25
- Toy guns, BB guns, homemade firearms, non-firing objects and accessories: $0
Each person may exchange up to 10 eligible firearms for gift cards. Guns beyond that limit can still be surrendered but won't receive a card. Ammunition and firearm cases will not be accepted.
The program is funded through a grant from the Washington State Attorney General's Office. The department framed the exchange as a crime-prevention tool, writing on its event page that removing unwanted firearms from homes is "the easiest way to stop incidents on its tracks."
Firearms collected at the event will be handled under RCW 9.41.098, the state law governing weapons received by law enforcement. Private purchasing of firearms from participants at the exchange is prohibited. Unlawful transfer of a firearm is a criminal offense under RCW 9.41.115.
The Bellevue Police Department announced the event on X, describing it as the department's second gun exchange. No results from the first event have been publicly reported.
This is a walk-up event. No registration is required. Residents with questions can reach BPD at (425) 577-5656.
