Second Gun Buy Back Brings in 610 Firearms

Contributed by the Office of Santa Clara County Supervisor Dave Cortese: 

Monday, County of Santa Clara Supervisor Dave Cortese, Sheriff Laurie Smith, and District Attorney Jeff Rosen announced the outcome of the Santa Clara County Anonymous Gun Buy Back Event held at Reid-Hillview Airport on March 23, including the collection of 610 firearms and the payout of $61,150.

The second gun buy back event, part of Supervisor Cortese’s Unity Day activities, offered cash to individuals turning in handguns, shotguns, rifles, and assault weapons.

Gun statistics: 

• 610 total firearms collected 
• 17 assault weapons 
• 225 handguns/pistols 
• 237 rifles 
• 123 shotguns 
• 8 Other (airsoft, BB guns) — unpaid

The second gun buy back on March 23 added to the 1,116 firearms collected at the County’s largest gun buy back event held at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds on March 2, which included a payout of $114,000.

About 200 people attended the Unity Day event where there was a peace walk and resource fair. Participants were also encouraged to turn in non-firearm weapons and gang colors. At the event, approximately 150 gang-related items were collected including knives, pellet guns, bandannas and other clothing indicative of gang activity.

“This is our third year reaching out to support a peaceful community,” said Supervisor Dave Cortese. “I am pleased that so many residents are taking advantage of this opportunity to turn in weapons and gang paraphernalia.”

The gun buy back held by Supervisor Cortese, which has been a part of Unity Day activities for three years, was followed by a peace walk, a resource fair and free food and entertainment at Most Holy Trinity Church in San Jose.