The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office has received $125,000 from the Washington Attorney General’s Office to support a gun buy-back program and firearm storage in the county.
Some of the funds will go toward buying gift cards in exchange for surrendering firearms and reducing the number of firearms in circulation, said Deb Slater, a public information officer for WCSO.
“As a community, we must work together to address this critical issue. 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,” Sheriff Donnell Tanksley said.
Nearly $2 million was awarded to 12 law enforcement agencies across the state, according to the AG’s Office.
“We are investing this money in communities to help law enforcement prevent gun violence,” AG Bob Ferguson said. “Their efforts will improve public safety across Washington.”
The funds come from a lawsuit enforcing Washington’s ban on the sale of high-capacity magazines. In 2023, a King County judge ruled Federal Way Discount Guns had broken state law by selling thousands of high-capacity magazines. The store agreed to pay $3 million to resolve the claims.
As part of the funding agreement, WCSO will have to keep track of how it spends the funds and follow reporting requirements set by the AG’s office.
WCSO will provide more information this spring about the location of the gun buy-back program, date, time and eligibility, Slater said.
Annie Todd is CDN’s criminal justice/enterprise reporter; reach her at annietodd@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 130.
