Over the weekend, the Oakland Police Department held its annual “Guns to Gardens” gun buyback event in partnership with community organizations. The event resulted in the collection of 58 firearms, including four assault rifles, several privately manufactured “ghost guns,” and an AR pistol.
Participants who surrendered firearms received gift cards worth up to $300 without being asked any questions. Some also received garden tools made from previously surrendered weapons as part of a broader effort to turn items associated with violence into instruments for community development.
The initiative is designed to provide residents with a safe way to dispose of unwanted firearms. The police department acknowledged the contributions of community partners, volunteers, participants, and members of the Ceasefire, Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC), and Special Resource Section (SRS) East teams.
“This event would not have been possible without the support of our dedicated community partners, volunteers, individuals who turned in firearms, and members of the OPD’s Ceasefire, Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC), and Special Resource Section (SRS) East.”
“We appreciate everyone who contributed to making this year’s event a success.”
