‘Gun Buyback’ to be held by Bronx DA’s office

‘Gun Buyback’ to be held by Bronx DA’s office|‘Gun Buyback’ to be held by Bronx DA’s office
Photo courtesy of the Bronx District Attorney’s office|Photo courtesy of the Bronx District Attorney’s office

A plan to reduce the number of civilian-owned firearms is underway.

On Saturday, August 6, the NYPD and Bronx DA’s office will host two gun buyback events as part of the Bronx Gun Buyback program.

These events will take place at Fellowship Tabernacle of Praise, COGIC, 1234B East Gun Hill Road, between Pearsall and Throop avenues, as well as at Evangelical Garifuna Church, 344 Brook Avenue, between East 141st and 142nd streets. The simultaneous events will take place from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

The Gun Buyback will allow civilians to turn in their operable handguns, rifles, assault rifles, shotguns or air guns in exchange for pre-paid debit cards, which will be issued after the gun is screened by officers and determined to be operable. The cards are bank cards and can be used like cash.

According to the Bronx DA’s office, guns must be placed in a plastic or paper bag/box when they are brought to the drop-off site.

If a gun is being transported by car, the gun must be transported in the trunk of the car.

An individual may surrender as many guns as they please, but they will only receive payment for up to three guns.

Active or retired law enforcement officers and licensed gun dealers are not eligible to participate in the program.

In 2015, there were two gun buyback events held in New York City, which resulted in 88 guns being turned in.

This event is the first one of its kind being held under Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, who replaced Robert Johnson as Bronx DA at the beginning of the year.

“Gun Buybacks are great for this borough and this city because it gives residents the opportunity to rid themselves of firearms,” said Clark. “This program also allows and empowers residents to work with our office to make the Bronx safe.”

A press conference further detailing the gun buyback event will take place on Monday, August 1 at the Bronx County Courthouse, 851 Grand Concourse, on the Walton Avenue side.

For more information regarding the Bronx Gun Buyback program, please call (718) 590-2272 or visit www.bronxda.nyc.gov. 311 can also provide more information about the program.

Reach Reporter Steven Goodstein at (718) 260-4599. E-mail him at sgoodstein@cnglocal.com.
Poster of the upcoming ‘Gun Buyback’ event.
Photo courtesy of the Bronx District Attorney’s office