On Saturday, March 30, teens and young men were able to turn in firearms to the NYPD in the first Brooklyn Gun Buy Back event “Gun’s for Greatness,” targeted to that audience. It was also the first privately sponsored gun buyback program.
The NYPD said that 115 weapons were surrendered and added that some of the more notable firearms turned in included an Archangel 22. Caliber assault rifle and seven defaced handguns. Other firearms included 56 revolvers, 33 semi-automatics, nine rifles, five shotguns and 11 others (BBs, starters, zip guns, etc).
The event took place at the Christian Cultural Center and was hosted by Hip Hop manager Michael “Blue” Williams.
Williams started the program in an effort to show young men that they dont have to play basketball or other sports, or commit crimes to get out of their community. The program paired any person returning a gun who wanted mentorship with a professional in their field of interest.
In exchange for the firearms, civilians also received a gift card, which ranged from $20-$200.
NYPD also noted that 8,200 firearms have been surrendered since the gun buy back program’s inception.