Mesquite Police Department hosts Gun Buyback Event in effort to reduce gun violence
Mesquite, Texas – The Mesquite Police Department is set to host a Gun Buyback Event as part of a committed effort to improve community safety and lower gun violence. Scheduled for Saturday, June 22nd, 2024, the event will take place from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) located at 15515 I-20 @ Lumley Rd, Mesquite, TX. The event will take place regardless of the weather, officials confirmed.
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The initiative seeks to give people a secure and private way to get rid of unwanted firearms. The department wants to stop these guns from being used in unintentional shootings or violent crimes. Guns can be turned in by participants with no questions asked about ownership or origins. In return, they will receive gift cards as a token of appreciation for their contribution to community safety.
The Gun Buyback Event is strictly a drive-up event. Participants are required to stay in their vehicles, with unloaded firearms placed securely in the trunk. This measure ensures the safety of everyone involved. For a seamless and safe process, the department asks that participants follow staff instructions and discourages walk-ups. Also, explosives will not be accepted; packaged ammo will.
Guns turned in are paid for first come, first served, with a five-gun maximum per individual. Following are the incentives: $100 per handgun and $150 every long gun, or privately produced firearm—also referred to as ghost firearms. However, the availability of gift cards is limited and subject to stock. Moreover, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) sets the right to reject any firearm that does not fulfill those requirements.
This Gun Buyback Event highlights the proactive steps taken by the Mesquite Police Department to mitigate potential threats and enhance the overall safety of the community. Each firearm surrendered represents one less weapon that could potentially be involved in a tragic incident. Through the facilitation of this program, the department demonstrates its commitment to creating a safer environment for all citizens.
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Residents may get in touch with the Mesquite Police Department for additional information regarding the gun buyback event.