The Bellevue Police Department takes great pride in keeping the city a safe place to live, work, and visit.
Preventing crime is the easiest way to stop incidents on its tracks. This is why on May 31st, Bellevue Police will provide the opportunity for any community member who wishes to anonymously, and without identification required, exchange their unwanted firearms for gift cards.
The event will run from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 11201 NE 33rd Place, Bellevue, WA 98004. It’s an opportunity to promote gun safety for community members of all ages.
Event attendees and community members are prohibited from handling or exchanging firearms on the event premises. If Officers observe this behavior, the parties involved will be reminded of Washington's firearm transfer laws and asked to leave the parking lot. Any refusal to leave or behavior which otherwise interferes with an officer's ability to perform their job or compromises the safety of the event and/or event participants may result in action, including arrest. If the person refuses to leave, patrol may be called in to handle the situation to keep the event moving.
Rules for Exchange Event
- Each participant may exchange up to 10-eligible firearms for gift cards. Participants may turn in additional firearms but will not receive a gift card.
- Each participant must show proof of residency in either Bellevue or King County.
- This event is anonymous. BPD will not record participants’ names or otherwise conduct records checks. Participants may cover their names when showing proof of residency to event staff.
- Ammunition or firearm cases will not be accepted during this event.
- Ghost guns and privately made firearms (PMFs) are limited to one gun exchange/gift card per resident.
FAQ on Gun Exchange Events
Q. What happens to guns that are turned in?
A. For any firearms given to the agency, the Bellevue Police Department will follow Washington State Code 9.41.098, which outlines the procedures law enforcement are required to follow immediately after any confiscation or forfeiture of firearms from community members.
Q. Where did the funding for the gift cards come from?
A. This event is funded through a grant from the Washington State Attorney General’s Office.
Q. Can I purchase guns from people who are at the event to turn theirs in?
A. No. The law requires private buyers and sellers to conduct a firearms transaction through a federally licensed firearm dealer (FFL). Unlawful transfer of a firearm is a criminal offense subject to enforcement. (RCW 9.41.115). Transfers to law enforcement are exempted from formal transfer requirements (RCW 9.41.113(4)(e)). Individuals are not allowed to impede event traffic on the street, sidewalk, or parking lot (RCW 9A84.030.)