Justice officials will run a gun buyback event in Clinton Hill on Saturday.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and New York City Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, together with Attorney General Letitia James and State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli on Wednesday announced that the event will be held on July 18, from 10:00am to 4:00pm, at Emmanuel Baptist Church, located at 279 Lafayette Ave.
The District Attorney said that his office and the NYPD will offer money in the form of a $500 bank card for each operable gun or assault rifle turned in (maximum three per person). There will be an offer of a $200 bank card for ghost guns or 3D printed guns (a maximum of two per person). Participants will also receive a $75 bank card for each rifle or shotgun and a $25 bank card for each air gun, imitation pistol or a non-operable firearm. The first 60 people will also receive a $100 retail store gift card, thanks to donations from the Attorney General’s and Comptroller’s offices.
No identification is required, and all transactions will be anonymous, no questions asked.
“Brooklyn continues to improve on last year’s record-setting lows in gun violence, with murders dropping by over 30% so far this year," Gonzalez said in a statement. "This remarkable success is borne of a comprehensive strategy that combines enforcement actions with preventative, community-centered initiatives. Gun buybacks are integral to our efforts as they allow anyone in the city to help reduce the number of firearms in our streets and homes, preventing potential tragedies and crimes. I encourage every New Yorker to take advantage of this opportunity, safely turn in a gun, and get some cash and a gift card to spend this summer.”
The bank cards will be issued after each firearm is received and screened by officers on site. Guns should be unloaded and packaged in a paper or plastic bag or a box when brought to the event. If transported by car, the guns must be kept in the trunk. Both working and inoperable weapons will be accepted. Active or retired law enforcement officers and licensed gun dealers are not eligible for this event.
"Gun violence steals talent, interrupts futures, and leaves families carrying wounds that can last for generations," said Dr. Shareka N. Newton, senior pastor-elect of Emmanuel Baptist Church. "I encourage every person who has an illegal firearm to help us make a difference: turn it in, remove a potential tragedy from our streets, and walk away richer; not only in cash, but in spirit and in the knowledge that you helped make Brooklyn and New York City safer.”
