Salt Lake City begins ‘gun buyback program’ following week of mass shootings

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH — Salt Lake City is launching a new gun buyback program. It comes in the wake of recent mass shootings across the U.S. which has resulted in a mix of heartache and fear.

This, a big reason why community members, plus local and state leaders, feel it’s time to take tangible action.

“Our flags are always at half-staff. We’re always saying a prayer, and we’re always taking a moment of silence.

That’s not getting us anywhere,” said Dan Dugan, Salt Lake City Council Chair.

The gun buyback program is completely voluntary with a no-questions-asked rule.

“It’s an opportunity to get firearms that aren’t wanted any more off the street, which is one less firearm

that can be used in a crime against somebody,” said Salt Lake City Police Department Captain Charli Goodman.

On Saturday, June 11, greeters will be at the public safety building where they will help anyone wanting to hand off their guns.

As an incentive, the first 200 people to turn in their guns will get a $50 gift card, courtesy of the Salt Lake City Police Foundation.

At the state level, Sen. Derek Kitchen is pushing to raise the legal age to purchase a gun in Utah from 18 to 21-years-old.

So far, he says the response he’s received is overwhelmingly in support of the bill.

“Teachers, parents, even Second Amendment republicans have called me to say, ‘I’m a gun owner. I appreciate you doing something. I’m afraid of going out in the community.’ We all are, and we need to do something, and we need to do it right now,” said Kitchen.

Salt Lake City police said once firearms are turned in, the firearms will be disposed of, given to the crime lab, or possibly put into the police museum.