Immediate Release: November 17, 2025
OPD NEWS:
Over the weekend, the Oakland Police Department (OPD) partnered with several community organizations for the annual "Guns to Gardens" gun buyback event. A total of 58 firearms were collected, including four assault rifles, privately manufactured firearms commonly
known as "ghost guns," and an AR pistol.
In exchange for surrendering their firearms, people received gift cards valued at up to $300 with no questions asked. Several participants also received handcrafted garden tools forged from previously surrendered firearms, which is part of the organization's commitment to transforming tools of harm into tools that cultivate growth within our community. This initiative continues to serve as a significant opportunity for individuals to safely dispose of unwanted firearms.
This event would not have been possible without the support of our dedicated community partners, volunteers, individuals who turned in firearms, and members of the OPD's Ceasefire, Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC), and Special Resource Section (SRS) East.
We appreciate everyone who contributed to making this year's event a success.
