Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and New York City Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch announced Thursday that a gun buyback event will be held on Saturday, April 5 in Bedford-Stuyvesant.
The event will take place from 10:00am to 4:00pm at Cornerstone Baptist Church, located at 574 Madison St., according to a press release.
“Brooklyn made historic progress in reducing gun violence last year, with shootings at their lowest level on record and homicides significantly down," Gonzalez said, noting that more than 500 firearms have been turned over in the past few years.
The DA's office will offer money in the form of a $500 bank card for each operable gun or assault rifle turned in. A $200 bank card will be offered for ghost guns or 3D printed guns with 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. Two ghost gun limit per participant and three guns in total per participant.
No identification is required, and all transactions will be anonymous, no questions asked.
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.
"Each gun removed is a life potentially saved, a tragedy averted — and a step toward safer communities," said Tisch.
Pastor Lawrence E. Aker III said the church will continue to collaborate with the city "to create a safe community and improve the quality of life for all of Brooklyn."
