Kirkland is exchanging gift cards for guns

The Kirkland Police Department will hold a Guns for Gift Cards Exchange on Saturday, June 25.

The event will be from 9 a.m. to noon at the Kirkland Justice Center. And if getting up early enough to run an errand at 9 a.m. on a Saturday doesn't sound too appealing (maybe I'm projecting here), another Guns for Gift Cards Exchange will be held on July 20 from 5-7 p.m.

Kirkland residents who want to relinquish an unloaded gun can do so anonymously. In exchange, they'll get a gift card worth between $25 and $250.

Deputy Mayor Jay Arnold says they want to get these weapons off the streets and out of homes so they're less likely to be used in suicides and accidental shootings.

“Kirkland experienced six gun-related suicides since 2020. Encouraging community members to voluntarily relinquish ownership of unwanted guns is one step we can take to help reduce the likelihood of accidental injuries and suicides by firearms,” Arnold said.

No registration is required, but proof of Kirkland residency is needed to get a gift card (utility bill, etc.). No personal information will be recorded.

KPD is asking people dropping off firearms to:

• Stay in their vehicle when they pull up to the Kirkland Justice Center.
• All guns must be unloaded when dropping off.
• Have guns in the trunk or back seat of your car (basically out of reach of anyone in the vehicle.

The Kirkland Justice Center is located at 11740 NE 118th Street.

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