Photo: @fogrei Unsplash
Aug. 13, 2020 By Christian Murray
The Queens District Attorney’s office– with the support of the NYPD–is hosting two gun buyback events this month as a means to get deadly weapons off the street.
The district attorney is offering a $200 bankcard for each working hand gun surrendered and is promising that there will be no questions asked and people will remain anonymous.
For each rifle, shotgun, BB gun or air pistol, the reward is a $25 bank card.
The first event is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 15 at the Greater Springfield Community Church in Jamaica from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A second event is schedule for Saturday, Aug. 22 at Macedonia Baptist Church in Far Rockaway from 10 a.m. to 4 p.mm.
“This summer we have seen a horrible spike in shootings. This increase in gun violence is unacceptable but we can do something about it,” said District Attorney Melinda Katz.
Attendees are encouraged to turn in as many guns as possible. However, there is a limit of three bank cards worth $200 each per handgun–totaling $600.
The bank cards can be used as a debit card or to withdraw cash at an ATM.
Participants are encouraged to bring their weapons in paper or plastic bags, or shoe boxes when brought to the church. If they are transported by car, the gun must be kept in the trunk of the vehicle.
“We cannot prosecute our way out of this,” Katz said. “We need everyone working together—my Office, law enforcement, our faith leaders and everyone in the community—to stop the violence.”
Information pertaining to the first event in Jamaica
