Archdiocese of Baltimore’s gun buyback collects 431 firearms

BALTIMORE (WBFF) — More than 400 firearms were surrendered Saturday during the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s fourth annual gun buyback and peacebuilding fair in Southwest Baltimore, organizers said.

The Aug. 8 event collected 431 firearms, including stolen guns and semi- and fully automatic weapons, as part of an effort by the archdiocese and community partners to reduce the number of unwanted firearms in circulation.

The Baltimore Police Department collected 108 revolvers, 124 semi- and fully automatic weapons and 199 rifles and shotguns at the Westside Shopping Center. Participants received between $100 and $300 for each firearm voluntarily surrendered.

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Since the archdiocese began holding the events in 2023 in partnership with Baltimore police, 1,487 firearms have been collected.

The Rev. Michael Murphy, pastor of Our Lady of Victory Parish and the historic St. Joseph’s Monastery and a founding member of Health by Southwest, said removing unwanted firearms from homes can help prevent shootings, suicides and gun thefts.

“Removing weapons from homes can save lives in fragile and volatile situations,” Murphy said, via press release. “It can also save the lives of those who might otherwise use a weapon to harm themselves and prevent firearms from being stolen and used in criminal acts.”

Murphy said the initiative also seeks to strengthen relationships within the community and promote respect for human life.

“Our work goes beyond removing unwanted or unnecessary weapons—it is about helping one another see the value of every human life and the dignity of each person,” he said, via press release. “We do this by building real relationships within our community.”

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Catholic parishes and individual donors provided money for the buyback. Organizers said funds remaining after the event will be used to directly support families of homicide victims and other victims of violence.

The archdiocese hosted the event with members of Health by Southwest and several community organizations, including Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital, Catholic Charities, Our Lady of Victory Parish and St. Joseph’s Monastery, My Brother’s Keeper and Mount Saint Joseph High School.

Saturday’s event began with a community blessing and remarks from local elected officials, including Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen and Del. Malcolm Ruff.

Across the street at ABC Park, volunteers and partner organizations held a community resource fair offering supplies and services. Items distributed included naloxone kits, toiletries, refreshments and diapers provided by ShareBaby.