Whatcom County Gets Grant for Gun Buyback and Firearm Safety Initiative

Whatcom County Sheriff's Office has received $125,000 in funding from the Washington State Attorney General's Office to implement a gun buyback program and improve firearm storage.

The announcement, made on Friday, positions Whatcom County as one of 12 law enforcement agencies across Washington state to receive such funding for gun violence prevention efforts.

Funding Source and Distribution

The nearly $2 million distributed to law enforcement agencies statewide comes from a legal settlement for a lawsuit enforcing Washington's ban on high-capacity magazine sales.

In 2023, a King County judge ruled that Federal Way Discount Guns had violated state law by selling thousands of high-capacity magazines. The store subsequently agreed to pay $3 million to resolve the claims. A large part of that has gone into gun buyback initiatives.

Sheriff's Personal Connection

Sheriff Donnell "Tank" Tanksley expressed a deep personal connection to the initiative. He stated, "As the Sheriff of Whatcom County, I want to emphasize that combating gun violence is extremely important to me, not only as a law enforcement officer but also on a deeply personal level."

"Having tragically lost several family members to gun violence, I understand the devastating impact it has on families, communities, and our entire society."

Program Implementation

Part of the funding will be used to purchase gift cards that will be exchanged for surrendered firearms, according to Deb Slater, a public information officer for the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office. The program aims to reduce the number of firearms in circulation throughout the county.

"As a community, we must work together to address this critical issue," Sheriff Tanksley added. "Gun violence not only claims lives but also erodes the sense of safety and security that is essential for the well-being and quality of life of our residents and visitors."

Key Details:

• Funding Amount: $125,000
• Funding Source: Washington State Attorney General's Office (from high-capacity magazine lawsuit settlement)
• Program Components: Gun buyback program and improved firearm storage
• Implementation Timeline: Program details to be announced Spring 2025
• Exchange Method: Gift cards will be provided in exchange for surrendered firearms
• Accountability: Sheriff's Office required to track expenditures and follow reporting requirements set by Attorney General's Office

Statewide Effort

Attorney General Bob Ferguson highlighted the broader initiative's importance.

"We are investing this money in communities to help law enforcement prevent gun violence," Ferguson said. "Their efforts will improve public safety across Washington."

The ban on high-capacity magazines that led to this funding has faced legal challenges. According to local reports, the ban was contested by multiple lawsuits and overturned by a Cowlitz County judge earlier this year.

However, it currently remains in effect pending consideration by the Washington State Supreme Court.

The Whatcom County Sheriff's Office plans to release more specific information about the buyback program this spring, including details about location, date, time, and eligibility requirements.