Press Release

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and the New York City Police Department are hosting a Gun Buy Back event this Saturday at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Long Island City this coming Saturday.

District Attorney Katz said, “This is our third Gun Buy Back event of 2020. Every gun turned in this Saturday is a potential tragedy averted. This is the public’s opportunity to help us put a stop to bloodshed by turning in firearms.”

Individuals with firearms are invited to turn them in – no questions asked. For each operable handgun surrendered the reward is a $200 bank card. The reward for BB guns, air pistols, rifles and shotguns is a $25 bank card. Anyone can turn in as many firearms as they have, but the reward is no more than three $200 bank cards per person. The bank cards can be used as a debit card for purchases with merchants or used to withdraw cash at ATMs.

The DA stressed that this event is 100 percent anonymous. There will be no questions asked about the firearm surrendered.

Participants should bring the unloaded weapon in paper or plastic bag or shoe boxes to the church location. If transported by car, the gun must be in the trunk of the vehicle.

Funding for the Gun Buy Back events are shared equally between the Queens District Attorney’s Office and the New York City Police Department.

This event is being co-sponsored by Bishop Mitchell G. Taylor of the Center of Hope International (COHI), as well as the Community Church of Astoria and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church.

Weapons from gun dealers and active or retired law enforcement firearms are not acceptable.