New York City Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly, Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes, Assemblyman Vito J. Lopez, Senator Martin Malave Dilan and four local pastors have announced a third Gun Buyback program in Brooklyn’s 83rd and 90th precincts, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, October 11.

          The first two Gun Buybacks, in July and September, were a major success, with a total of 1,108 guns taken off the streets of Brooklyn. 

          “With the success of the first two gun buybacks, I am looking forward to having equal results with this third gun buyback in Williamsburg and Bushwick,” said District Attorney Hynes. “I’d like to thank the four pastors for opening their churches for this program as well as NYPD Commissioner Kelly, Assemblyman Lopez and Senator Dilan for their involvement.”

          “With the clergy’s help, we’re praying for another miracle of the loaves and fishes. This time we hope they inspire a multiplication of guns being taken off the streets of Brooklyn,” said Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly

          Assemblyman Lopez said, "I am very happy to bring the Gun Buy Back Program to our local communities of Williamsburg and Bushwick. With the recent surge in violent crime in the area, especially with the youth, it is important to utilize many methods to make our neighborhood safer. This day is an important component of that effort and I thank District Attorney Hynes, Police Commissioner Kelly, the Brooklyn Diocese, and our local parishes for their commitment to our safety."

          "I am pleased to join Assemblyman Vito Lopez, Kings County District Attorney Charles Hynes and the NYPD in supporting this weekend's Gun Buy Back Program.  Any opportunity to get guns off the streets is exciting and will go a long way to keep our streets and our children safer.  I also want to thank our local churches for opening their doors and helping to facilitate this great program," said Senator Dilan.

          For one day, Saturday, October 11, people who own guns, legal or illegal, will be able to trade them for $200 bank cards at four churches in Williamsburg and Bushwick. 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 The bank cards, issued by Chase Bank, can be used as a debit card, or money can be withdrawn at any ATM.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, KCDA Detective Investigators and members of the NYPD Brooklyn District Attorney Squad 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: 

Saint Peter and Paul, 71 South 3rd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Rev. Richard J. Beuther, Pastor

Saint Barbara, 138 Bleecker Street, Brooklyn, NY 11221
Rev. Fulgencio Gutierrez, Pastor

All Saints, 115 Throop Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11206
Rev. William Chacon, Pastor

Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompei, 225 Seigel Street, Brooklyn, NY 11206
Rev. Frank Amato, Pastor