Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. announced today that 1,186 firearms were taken off the streets as a result of the borough’s second gun buyback program, held yesterday at four Bronx churches.
The event was organized by Borough President Diaz’s office, the office of Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson, and the New York Police Department.
“I am thrilled that we were able to get so many guns off of our streets through this event, and I would like to thank the police department, District Attorney Johnson and the pastors of our four drop-off sites for their participation in this important effort. In the fight against gun violence, everything helps, and I am proud that we were able to take so many guns out of circulation,” said Borough President Diaz.
Primary funding for the gun buyback program was provided by the Bronx District Attorney’s Office and the NYPD. The Office of the Bronx Borough President obtained partial funding in the form of contributions of gift cards from major retail stores, including Best Buy and Target.
Guns were accepted at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, 623 East 138th Street; St. Augustine’s Catholic, 1183 Franklin Avenue; Transfiguration Lutheran Church, 763 Prospect Avenue; and Our Lady of Grace, 3985 Bronxwood Avenue.