Brooklyn,  Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes, New York City Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly, US Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-Brooklyn) and six Brooklyn pastors today announced a gun buyback program aimed at taking illegal, functioning guns off the streets by offering a $200 cash reward for each eligible weapon surrendered.

“There are many initiatives and programs responsible for our success in reducing violent crime and getting illegal guns off the streets is essential to continued success,” said District Attorney Hynes.  “I want to thank Police Commissioner Kelly, Congressman Towns and the dedicated pastors for their support in creating this buyback program.”

As of July 14, there were 95 homicides in Brooklyn, compared to 111 homicides during the same period in 2007, a reduction of 14%.  Of those statistics, in 2008, 62.1% of those homicides were by guns.  In comparison, in 2007 year to date, 73.9% of the homicides were by guns.

“I want to commend District Attorney Hynes for spearheading this special effort, and the ministers for supporting it.  If just one gun is surrendered, one or more lives may be saved,” Commissioner Kelly said.

Commissioner Kelly reminded the public that a  citywide “cash for guns” program provides  $100 to anyone who turns in a gun, no questions asked,  at police station houses and police facilities in the transit system and housing developments in the five boroughs on any day.

“I am proud to join DA Hynes and Police Commissioner Kelly to address the issue of illegal guns.  This initiative sends a positive message that we do not want guns on Brooklyn streets.  We will not accept guns on Brooklyn streets, and we will ban together to remove guns off Brooklyn streets.  That is the message we want to send, and that is the message we will defend,” said Congressman Towns.

For one day, this Saturday, people who own illegal guns will be able to trade them for $200 bank cards at six churches in northern and central Brooklyn. All transactions will be completely anonymous – no questions asked. The bank cards, issued by Chase Bank, can be used as a debit card or money can be withdrawn at any ATM. There is no limit to the number of guns participants can surrender, but they will only be paid for three.

Handguns, rifles and shotguns will be accepted. Functional BB guns and air pistols can be exchanged for a $20 bank card. The guns must be functional. No guns will be accepted from active or retired law-enforcement officials.

Plain clothes police officers will be on hand in the churches to accept the firearms. Guns must be in a paper or plastic bags or shoe boxes when brought to the churches. If transported by car, they must be in the trunk of the car.

Funding for the event is being provided jointly, by the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office and the NYPD.

 Participating churches and their pastors include:

- Helping Hands Ministries, 326 Junius St.
   Pastor Randolph Ferdinand

- First Baptist Church of Brownsville, 357 Chester St.
   Reverend A.D. Lyons

- Grace Baptist Church, 181 New Jersey Ave.
   Reverend Jacob N. Underwood

- First AME Zion Church, 54 MacDonough St.
   Pastor Daran Mitchell

- Southern Baptist Church, 798 Stanley Ave.
   Pastor Clarence Williams

- Brown Memorial Baptist Church, 484 Washington Ave.
   Pastor Clinton Miller
 
Contact:  Sandy Silverstein
      718-250-2300

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