To curb the surge of gun violence, Brooklyn's top prosecutor and the NYPD have partnered up to host a Gun Buyback event this coming Saturday in Bedford-Stuyvesant. According to an official release from Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez's office, individuals can receive a $500 bank card for each operable handgun or assault rifle they turn in.
The event, scheduled on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., will take place at Cornerstone Baptist Church, and no IDs are required for the anonymous, no-questions-asked exchanges. “Brooklyn made historic progress in reducing gun violence last year, with shootings at their lowest level on record and homicides significantly down. That progress is continuing in 2025, and our gun buyback events have played a meaningful role, with more than 500 firearms turned in over the past few years. This Saturday, every New Yorker has an opportunity to safely turn in a gun, reduce the risk of harm, earn some money, and help make our neighborhoods safer,” Gonzalez said, as noted by the Brooklyn DA's Office.
On the law enforcement side, NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch expressed optimism about the initiative's impact on public safety. Tisch highlighted, “The NYPD’s intensified efforts to combat gun violence are paying off — shootings are down a record 23 percent this year, and more than 1,300 illegal firearms have been taken off our streets. Each gun removed is a life potentially saved, a tragedy averted — and a step toward safer communities. That’s why programs like this are so essential. We’re proud to continue our partnership with the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office and Cornerstone Baptist Church to help keep the safest big city in America even safer,” she told the DA's office.
The event not only aims to reduce the number of guns on the street, but also strengthens community partnerships. Pastor Lawrence E. Aker III of the Cornerstone Baptist Church reinforced the church's commitment to community safety. “Cornerstone is intentional about partnering with the District Attorney’s Office to get guns off the street. We will continue to collaborate to create a safe community and improve the quality of life for all of Brooklyn. We look forward to once again sharing in this initiative with DA Eric Gonzalez and the NYPD,” Aker told the DA's office. In addition to handguns and assault rifles, ghost guns and 3D printed guns can be exchanged for a $200 bank card, with a limit of two per person. Participants can also trade in rifles or shotguns for a $75 bank card and non-operable firearms for $25, with a total limit of three guns per participant.
Those planning to bring firearms to the event must ensure they are unloaded and enclosed in paper, plastic bags, or boxes, with transportation by car requiring guns to be kept in the trunk. The event caters to residents of all Brooklyn neighborhoods, as the DA's office hosts similar events periodically. For additional details on the location and transportation options, individuals can visit the Brooklyn DA's event page.
