Columbus to Host Gun Buyback Drive-Thru Event

Published on September 19, 2023

The Columbus Office of Violence Prevention, in partnership with the Columbus Division of Police, will host a gun buyback drive-thru event on Saturday, September 30, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot at Trinity Baptist Church, 461 St. Clair Avenue. Submissions will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and completely anonymous; no IDs are required to turn in a firearm.

“There is a proliferation of guns in our city and in cities across the country, and it is incumbent upon us to do everything within our power to reduce the number of guns and bring down the violence,” said Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “This gun buyback is one example of how we’re enlisting the active participation of the entire community, and how we're strengthening safety in Columbus using a holistic approach – through prevention, intervention and enforcement.”

Gift cards of up to $750.00 will be given in exchange for handguns, assault rifles, non-assault rifles and shotguns based on the type and condition of each firearm. All other firearms, including replica, antique, and non-working guns, will also be accepted and eligible for ONE $25 gift card regardless of the number or condition of the firearms turned in.

“The Office of Violence Prevention is excited to be hosting this gun buyback event in partnership with the Columbus Division of Police,” said Director Rena Shak. “We are asking the community to help us reduce the number of firearms in circulation in Columbus by bringing in your firearms in exchange for a substantial gift card amount. One less firearm in our community is one less that a child can get their hands on, that can be stolen and used for criminal purposes, or that someone can use to harm themselves. We are committed to the battle against gun violence and are calling on the entire Columbus community to join us in our efforts.”

Participants are also expected to observe the following precautions:

• Drivers should arrive with the gun(s) placed in the trunk of the vehicle and follow all local laws during transport.
• Guns must be unloaded and preferably placed in a bag or a box.
• Ammunition should be separated from the gun.

For more information, call the Office of Violence Prevention at 614-645-9583 or email ovp@columbus.gov.