Tish James-Sponsored Gun Buyback Program to be Held Saturday

Have a gun? Want some cash instead? You're in luck.

The Kings County District Attorney’s Office, the NYPD and Council Member Letitia James, D-35, will sponsor a gun buyback program this Saturday, Feb. 2 at the Church of the Open Door in Bed-Stuy. 

Turn in a weapon, no questions asked, and receive a $200 bank card for operable handguns or a $20 bank card for operable rifles and shotguns. 

Weapons will be accepted from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Church, located at 201 Gold St. 

There are certain guidelines one must follow when dropping off a weapon:

• Guns must be placed in a plastic or paper bag or box.
• If transporting the gun by car, the gun must be transported in the trunk of the car. 
• After the gun is screened by officers and determined to be operable, individuals will be issued a cash card. 
• Individuals may surrender as many guns as they wish, 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. 

The most recent gun buyback event held at two Brooklyn churches in December saw 134 working firearms taken off the streets.

Eighty revolvers, 31 semi-automatic pistols, four rifles, three shotguns, one sawed-off shotgun and 15 other firearms including BBs, zips and starter pistols were brought to the program, with a few notable firearms surrendered including a .22 Magnum Derringer "wallet gun"; a Beretta model 84 .380 caliber; a Smith and Wesson .357 Magnum.  

Since the program’s inception more than 8,000 guns have been surrendered.