Summary

In recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Public Health – Seattle & King County’s Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention is hosting two gun safety events: a gun lockbox giveaway event at Kirkland City Hall on September 29, and a gun buyback in Skyway with the King County Sherriff’s Office on October 4. Both events are free and open to all. 

Story

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. In recognition, Public Health – Seattle & King County’s Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention is hosting two gun safety events.  

In King County, 61% of gun deaths are suicides. Reducing the number of firearms in the community, and ensuring that households with guns store them securely, can help prevent suicides and other forms of gun violence.  

Event information

Kirkland Gun Lockbox Giveaway event – September 29, from 4 – 6 PM 

On Monday, September 29, 2025, Public Health’s Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Lock-it-Up Program will host a free handgun lockbox giveaway event at Kirkland City Hall. All are welcome and each attendee will receive a free handgun lockbox, while supplies last. 

The event will run from 4 to 6 PM, with the giveaway beginning after brief remarks from local elected and public health officials.  

Skyway Gun Buyback event – October 4, from 9 AM – 12 PM 

In partnership with the King County Sheriff's Office, the Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention will host a gun buyback event from 9 AM - 12 PM on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at King County Fire Station 20 in Skyway. The event will provide a safe way for residents to voluntarily and anonymously surrender unwanted firearms.  

Participants will receive gift cards in varying amounts, based on the type of firearm surrendered. 

The event will be a drive-thru and participants will remain in their vehicles. They will be directed to a station for firearm intake and gift card distribution. 

This event is a continuation of the Suicide Prevention Month gun buyback event held at Shoreline Community College on September 6, 2025.  

Quotes

"Suicide prevention, like gun violence prevention, is a shared responsibility that belongs to all of us," said Public Health – Seattle & King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention Director Eleuthera Lisch. "Access to lethal means, specifically firearms, is a critical factor in suicide risk. Our office is proud to partner with the King County Sheriff's Office and Public Health’s Lock-It-Up Program to host these events for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month to empower residents to take proactive steps to protect their loved ones and reduce suicide deaths in our county." 

“Getting any gun off the streets is an important step in the right direction,” said King County Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall. “We know often guns in homes and suicides go hand in hand, and we will work to do whatever we can do to decrease this. But it’s going to take all of us. This is a community problem, and we must all work together toward a solution.” 

“Suicidal thoughts don’t have to end in tragedy. Gun owners can take action to keep firearms out of the hands of loved ones who are struggling,” said Public Health – Seattle & King County Violence & Injury Prevention Program Community Safety Manager Karyn Brownson. “Removing unwanted guns from your home and securely locking up the ones that are there are both good steps to protect family members from suicide, and the Lock-It-Up Program is proud to help make these safety practices easier.”