Beaumont Plans Gun Buyback Event for April 4

Beaumont officials are developing plans for a gun buyback program tentatively scheduled for April 4, 2025, as part of efforts to address violent crime in the community. City Manager Kenneth Williams announced the initiative during Tuesday's city council meeting.

Jefferson County Precinct 6 Justice of the Peace Ransom 'Duce' Jones originated the concept and is currently working to secure private sponsorship for the program. Texas state law prohibits cities from hosting, sponsoring, or using public funds for gun buyback initiatives.

Symbolic Date and Community Event

The proposed date marks 58 years since the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Judge Jones emphasized the symbolic significance of the timing in highlighting the impact of gun violence.

The buyback program will coincide with a parade against gun violence. The event is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. at the Sterling Pruitt Center, proceed to the Elmo Willard Library, and return to the Pruitt Center.

Judge Jones on Community Responsibility

Judge Jones described gun violence as a critical issue requiring comprehensive community response. "If I can't take whipping but can take 20 to life, make that make sense," Jones told KFDM. "It hit me. Make it make sense. Murder, can't make it make sense. Robbing, you can't make it make sense. None of those things are natural things to do."

Jones stressed that the buyback represents only one component of a broader strategy. He emphasized the need for parental involvement, family engagement, prayer, and community support in addressing the root causes of violence.

Previous Buyback Program

Beaumont previously hosted a gun buyback in August 2017 when multiple community groups collaborated on the initiative. That event collected over 150 firearms with approximately $34,000 in sponsor donations, distributing about $28,000 in compensation.

The 2017 program offered $100 for rifles, $200 for handguns, and $300 for assault weapons. Participants maintained anonymity throughout the process with no identification requirements or questions asked.

Key Details

• Date: April 4, 2025 (tentative)
• Time: 10:00 a.m.
• Place: Sterling Pruitt Center and Elmo Willard Library
• Partnerships: Multiple sponsors being sought
• Terms of Exchange: Compensation amounts to be announced pending sponsor commitments
• Eligibility: Open to community members