Press Release South County Gun Buyback event

County of Santa Clara, CA - On Saturday, December 10, 2022 the County of Santa Clara, District Attorney’s Office, Morgan Hill Police Department, and Gilroy Police Department are coordinating a Gun Buyback Event at the Morgan Hill Outdoor Sports Center, 16500 Condit Road, Morgan Hill, CA 95037, from 9 am to 2 pm to help prevent gun-related violence.

The public are encouraged to turn in unwanted guns, and in return, the coalition of hosts will pay cash to help create a safer environment and minimize the risk of accidental discharges, domestic violence, suicide, and gun theft.

As of December 1, 2022 more than 40,600 Americans have died of gun violence so far in 2022, and more than half by suicide. The Center for Disease Control reports that firearm-related injuries are among the leading cause of death for people ages 1-44 and is the current leading cause of death for our children under age 17. Reports also show that gun-related homicides have risen 35% since 2019.

“An unwanted gun is just waiting for a child’s curiosity, or a criminal’s bad intentions,” District Attorney Rosen said.

“Let’s not just cross our fingers that there won’t be a tragedy. Let’s work together to make sure that every gun in this county is legal, locked, and owned by a responsible person,” he concluded.

“The data is clear; gun violence is ravaging our communities and is the leading cause of death for our children,” noted Supervisor Otto Lee. Gun safety and violence prevention must be top of mind because each action we take can save lives. Unwanted guns in our homes need to be disposed of safely.”

“Our Buyback Event in Milpitas in May was a huge success. Residents turned in more than 400 firearms, including 7 ghost guns and 14 assault weapons. We are excited to partner with the Morgan Hill and Gilroy Police Departments and the District Attorney’s Office to bring a Buyback event to South County,” added Supervisor Lee.

County officials and law enforcement held a press conference ahead of the event on Friday, December 2, 2022 in the Morgan Hill City Council Chambers, 17555 Peak Avenue, at 9:30 am.

[Photo from Press Conference: Morgan Hill Mayor Constantine, Supervisor Wasserman, Supervisor Lee speaking, District Attorney Rose, Acting Sheriff Binder]

Press Conference/Gun Buyback event media coverage: Morgan Hill Times - KTSF26 - KSBW8 - KRON4

Buyback Event details: $100 for handguns, rifles, and shotguns; and $200 for ghost guns and assault weapons. Firearms must be functional. Limit 5 firearms per person.

All guns must be unloaded and transported in the trunk of your car. You must remain in your car. No ammunition is allowed. Funds are limited to a first come, first served basis until funds run out. We reserve the right to limit the funds paid to an individual.

Additional event details

People may anonymously hand in unwanted guns and firearms and receive cash in return. No questions will be asked about who owns the guns or where they came from. Buybacks are intended to prevent unwanted or unneeded weapons from causing harm or committing acts of violence.

More information about Gun Violence in America, California, and County of Santa Clara.

If you are unable to make the event, the County of Santa Clara Sheriff’s Department has a Gun Relinquishment Program where individuals may turn in any unwanted firearms.

Please contact the Sheriff's Office for more information (408) 299-2311 or visit CountySheriff.sccgov.org.

If you know someone who may be a danger to themselves, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-(800) 273-8255. For information on gun safety, visit the County Behavioral Health Services Gun Safety webpage.

If you would like to learn more about the Gun Violence Restraining Order law, visit the Speak for Safety website.

Supervisor Otto Lee serves District 3 on the County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors which represents Sunnyvale, Milpitas, and the northern neighborhoods of San José including Alviso and Berryessa. He is an intellectual property attorney, Retired U.S. Navy Commander, former Sunnyvale Mayor and Councilmember, and father. He lives in Sunnyvale with his wife and three daughters, and family rabbit. He was elected to represent District 3 in November 2020. More information is available online at SupervisorLee.org or contact us anytime via email at [email protected].