Press Release

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz with the New York City Police Department is hosting two gun buy back events in Queens this month. The first takes place this Saturday, August 15th at the Greater Springfield Community Church in Jamaica. The second gun buy back event is scheduled for next Saturday, August 22nd at Macedonia Baptist Church in Far Rockaway.

District Attorney Katz said, “This summer we have seen a horrible spike in shootings. This increase in gun violence is unacceptable, but we can do something about it. The two gun buy back events I am hosting with the NYPD are one way to stop the bloodshed. Each gun taken off our streets is a tragedy averted.”

“We cannot prosecute our way out of this. We need everyone working together – my Office, law enforcement, our faith leaders and everyone in the community – to stop the violence. The ultimate goal of this initiative is to get as many guns as possible off the streets of Queens County and make our community safe for everyone. We are all partners in this mission,” the DA said. “I want to also take this opportunity to thank the 113 and 100 precincts for their participation and Reverends Phil Craig and Evan Gray for opening their churches to host the events.”

This Saturday and next Saturday, people who own legal or illegal guns can trade them in and be rewarded with money. Each working handgun nets a $200 bank card that is distributed on site after the gun is surrendered and deemed operable. For each rifle, shotgun, BB gun or air pistol, the reward is a $25 bank card. One can turn in as many guns as they like, however, you will receive a limit of three bank cards worth $200 each for three operable handguns. The bank cards can be used as a debit card or redeemed for cash ATM withdrawal.

All transactions are anonymous – no questions asked. Everyone is welcome to turn in a firearm, however, guns from dealers, active and retired law enforcement will not be accepted.

This Saturday’s gun buy back is being held at the Greater Springfield Community Church at 177-06 129th Avenue in Jamaica, Queens from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Next Saturday’s event is being held at the Macedonia Baptist Church at 330 Beach 67th Street in the Arverne neighborhood of Queens from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Plainclothes police officers, QDA Detective Investigators and members of the NYPD Queens District Attorney Squad will be on hand in the churches to accept the firearms. Participants are encouraged to bring unloaded weapons in paper or plastic bags or shoe boxes when brought to the churches. If transported by car, the gun must be in the trunk of the vehicle.

Funding for the gun buy back events is being provided by the Queens District Attorney’s Office and the New York City Police Department.