A gun buyback program has obtained dozens of guns in New York City, where authorities are battling a wave of gun violence.
Police and prosecutors say 69 firearms were turned in anonymously Saturday at the event at a Brooklyn church, no questions asked. In return, people received $200 gift cards, paid for with drug and gambling forfeitures, and iPads donated by the owner of iconic cheesecake-maker Junior’s restaurant.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said one of the guns came from a grandmother who took it from her grandson.
“She said when she opens the drawer, she’ll have the gift card and the iPad, but that gun is outside the house,” Gonzalez said.
Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell tweeted: “Every firearm we take off our streets is a weapon that will never be used to harm a New Yorker.”
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