Press Release

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and the New York City Police Department announced that 40 guns were collected today at First Baptist Church in East Elmhurst, Queens. The gun buy-back event was co-sponsored by The New York City Police Foundation, The New York City Police Department, First Baptist Church of East Elmhurst, New York State Senator Jessica Ramos, New York Assembly Member Jeffrion Aubry, and New York City Council Member Francisco P. Moya.

DA Katz said, “The gun violence that our communities have more recently been experiencing may sometimes seem insurmountable, but it is important that we come together as a community to reject that idea. Every gun that we get off the streets is a potential life saved and a potential tragedy averted. I want to thank Senator Ramos, Assemblyman Aubry, Council Member Moya, the NYPD and all our community partners for their support and unwavering commitment to public safety.”

NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said, “Our gun buy-back programs are an integral element in the NYPD’s ongoing intelligence-driven efforts to reduce violence and remove illegal firearms from the city’s streets. It’s a program that thrives on the sustained collaboration of residents who participate in each of the five boroughs, on the commitment of the department’s prosecutorial partners, and with the support of the New York City Police Foundation. We encourage everyone to please take part in this effort, which is another example of how we can work together as a community, keeping one another safe.”

New York State Senator Jessica Ramos said, “Though we may have varying definitions on what builds true public safety, we can all agree that the gun violence plaguing our community needs immediate and thoughtful attention. I’m grateful for the real, tangible impact events like today’s gun buy-back have on our neighbors’ feelings of security, and the collaboration between city and state elected officials that made it possible.  Through this exchange, we are able to work on rebuilding trust between local law enforcement and the people and address some of the material circumstances that lead to tragic instances of gun violence.”

New York City Council Member Francisco P. Moya said, “Any opportunity we have to tackle the rise in gun violence means safer communities. The gun buy-back program is another step towards reducing incidents of violence in our neighborhoods by taking guns off the streets. I want to thank the Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and First Baptist Church for hosting this activity.”

Today’s buy-back was the fifth of DA Katz’s administration. Combined, they have collected 325 guns.