Archdiocese of Baltimore collects 431 guns in annual buyback

The Archdiocese of Baltimore collected 431 firearms during its fourth annual gun buyback and peacebuilding fair held at the Westside Shopping Center. The collection included 108 revolvers, 124 semi- and fully-automatic weapons, and 199 rifles and shotguns, as well as weapons previously reported stolen.

Since the program's inception in 2023, a total of 1,487 firearms have been collected through a partnership between the Archdiocese and the Baltimore Police Department. The initiative aims to reduce gun violence, prevent firearms from being used in criminal acts or self-harm, and remove weapons from volatile domestic situations.

Organizers, including Father Michael Murphy, noted that the event is part of broader peacebuilding efforts. Funding for the program is provided by Catholic parishes and individual donors. Any remaining funds will be used to assist families of homicide victims and others impacted by violence.