Bronx D.A., NYPD to Hold Gun Buyback September 20th
Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson announces a “Cash for Guns” day – Saturday, September 20th — done in partnership with NYPD Commissioner William Bratton and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., along with the pastors of three Bronx churches where the buybacks will take place.
“It is in the best interest of every citizen in the Bronx to get illegal handguns and other firearms off the streets to make our borough even safer than it already is,” notes District Attorney Johnson.
Operable handguns and assault rifles will be accepted on September 20th between 10AM and 4PM at the following three locations:
Fordham Evangelical Lutheran Church
2430 Walton Avenue
718-367-8330
New Gospel Temple Church of God in Christ
1554 Minford Place
718-328-3010
Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church
3985 Bronxwood Avenue
718-652-4817
“This is the fifth time we have conducted a gun buyback with the cooperation of the NYPD and the hospitality of our borough’s clergy, especially the Rev. Jonathan Recabarren, the Rev. Rodney Canion, and Father Rudy Gonzalez, who have been most instrumental in making this happen,” adds the District Attorney.
Police Commissioner William J. Bratton also notes, “Partnering with the community is an intricate part of the NYPD’s overall crime strategy to take guns off our streets.”
“Taking illegal guns off of our streets has been a priority of mine since the day I became an elected official, and my commitment to ending gun violence remains as strong today as it was then,” says Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
“I thank District Attorney Johnson and the NYPD for partnering with my office on this gun buyback, and I urge those individuals with illegal guns to take this opportunity to turn that gun in and walk away from gun violence. The Bronx has never been safer, but maintaining that safety requires our vigilance.”
Cash Back, No Questions Asked
Participants will receive a $200 bank card for operable handguns and assault rifles, and a $20 bank card for operable rifles and shotguns – no questions asked. People are encouraged to surrender as many weapons as they wish, but will receive payment for up to only three guns. The bank cards can be used either as a debit card to make purchases or to withdraw cash from any ATM.
Guns brought to one of the buyback locations must be placed in a paper bag or a box. If firearms are being transported by vehicle, they must be placed in the trunk of the car.
Weapons belonging to either active or retired law enforcement officials are not eligible for the buyback program.
Plainclothes NYPD officers, Bronx D.A. Detective Investigators, and members of the NYPD’s Bronx D.A. Squad will be on hand at the churches to accept the firearms that are surrendered.
Funding for this gun buyback program is being provided by the Bronx District Attorney’s Office and the NYPD.