Federal Way Police Awarded $150,000 for Gun Buyback and Safe Giveaway

On December 12, the Washington Office of the Attorney General announced nearly $2 million in funding for gun violence prevention efforts in the state, with the Federal Way Police Department (FWPD) receiving $150,000.

This one-time funding stems from a successful lawsuit against Federal Way Discount Guns for illegally selling high-capacity magazines.

Settlement Background

A King County judge ruled that Federal Way Discount Guns violated Washington's ban on high-capacity magazine sales. Following the lawsuit, the gun store agreed to pay the state $3 million in settlement funds.

Attorney General Bob Ferguson subsequently dedicated more than $1.8 million of these funds to support local law enforcement efforts aimed at reducing gun violence, promoting firearms safety, and supporting victims.

Planned Community Initiatives

According to FWPD Commander Kyle Buchanan, the department will use the awarded funds to organize two community events: a gun buyback program and a gun safe giveaway.

The department conducted another gun buyback approximately two years ago and hopes this new initiative will further reduce gun violence in the community.

"The gun passed down, for example, if that person doesn't necessarily want that gun, but they don't know what to do with it, they usually don't lock those guns up," Buchanan explained. "They just throw them in a corner of the garage or throw them up in a closet or something."

Commander Buchanan noted that unsecured firearms may become easy targets for thieves and may subsequently be used in criminal activities throughout the community. The hope is for the planned initiatives to prevent that.

Key Details:

• Funding Amount: $150,000 awarded to Federal Way Police Department
• Funding Source: Settlement from lawsuit against Federal Way Discount Guns for illegal high-capacity magazine sales
• Planned Events: Gun buyback program and gun safe giveaway
• Purpose: Reduce gun violence and promote firearm safety in the community
• Previous Events: FWPD conducted a similar gun buyback approximately two years ago

Community Investment

Buchanan noted that while the $150,000 doesn't directly benefit the police department for equipment purchases, it represents a significant reinvestment in community safety.

The funding allows the department to redirect resources that would have been allocated to similar safety initiatives to other important city programs.

The commander also shared that during previous buyback events, many participants voluntarily explained their reasons for surrendering firearms. Inheritance of unwanted guns and possession of broken firearms were common submissions.