> At a Glance
> – Mickey Rourke, 73, surrendered a legally registered shotgun to LA County deputies for safekeeping
> – The actor said he is leaving the area and no longer wants the firearm
> – If unclaimed after one year, the gun will be destroyed
> – Why it matters: The incident highlights the straightforward process Californians can use to relinquish unwanted firearms
Oscar-nominated actor Mickey Rourke turned over his personal shotgun to authorities this week, telling deputies he is relocating and prefers not to keep the weapon.
Surrender Details
A member of Rourke’s team phoned the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department on Wednesday afternoon, requesting assistance with surrendering the firearm. Deputies met the 73-year-old actor at his current residence and took custody of the shotgun.
- The weapon is legally registered to Rourke
- Deputies logged it for safekeeping
- After 12 months without retrieval, department policy mandates destruction
Recent Controversy
Earlier in the week, Rourke posted a video on Instagram disavowing a $100,000 GoFundMe campaign that claimed to help him pay overdue rent. The actor, known for The Wrestler and Sin City, said he was unaware of the fundraiser and rejected the idea of seeking charity.
> “That’s not me, okay? I’d rather, if I needed money, I wouldn’t ask for no f—–g charity. I’d rather stick a gun up my a– and pull the trigger.”
Rourke blamed poor career management, the pandemic, and the writers’ strike for recent financial pressures tied to a rental property.
Key Takeaways
- California residents can arrange free firearm surrender through local sheriff’s stations
- Rourke’s shotgun will remain in safekeeping for up to one year
- The actor publicly distanced himself from an unauthorized crowdfunding effort
- No criminal investigation is connected to the weapon surrender
The department says voluntary surrenders like this help keep unwanted firearms out of circulation.
