Atlantic City will host one of five gun buyback events throughout the state next month in what officials say is an attempt to keep unwanted guns from falling into the wrong hands.
“We are taking every step possible to combat the rise in gun violence across our state,” Gov. Phil Murphy said. “With this no questions asked gun buyback initiative, we hope to reach the communities that have been most devastated by gun violence. We are committed to building a safer future in New Jersey.”
The "Guns for Cash" event in Atlantic City will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 7 at Atlantic City Fire Station No. 1 at 900 Atlantic Ave.
Residents can turn in firearms with “no questions asked,” and receive as much as $250 per weapon.
Police officers will be stationed at each buyback location to collect and secure the guns.
“We are committed to finding alternate ways to reduce the gun violence within our neighborhoods,” said James Sarkos, Interim-Officer-in Charge of the Atlantic City Police Department. “By hosting a gun buyback event, we are providing an opportunity for residents to cash in on any unwanted firearms they may have. The removal of these guns from our streets will reduce the chance that they fall into the wrong hands and are used to bring devastation to our community.”
The gun buyback initiative is funded with forfeiture dollars obtained by the local police departments and County Prosecutors’ Offices, as well as forfeiture funds from the Division of Criminal Justice.
“My administration is proud to partner with Acting Attorney General Bruck to host a gun buyback event in Atlantic City,” Mayor Marty Small said. "This event provides Atlantic City residents with an opportunity to be part of the change, to help get unwanted firearms off our streets – no questions asked – and ensure the safety of neighbors and loved ones.”
Atlantic County is excited to be a part of this program, acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Cary Shill said.
“Far too many of our citizens’ lives are being lost and families ruined by the plague of gun violence," he said. "While there may not be a single catchall solution, this gun-buyback program represents a step down the path to a safer New Jersey."
“The rise in shootings across our country and throughout our state is deeply painful, and our Office is deploying all available tools to attack the problem from every possible angle,” Acting Attorney General Andrew Bruck said. “This buyback initiative is part of our broad-based, ongoing efforts to stop the violence in our communities and save lives by reducing the number of firearms in circulation. There are too many illegal guns on the street and too many people impacted by the trauma of gun violence, and I urge residents to help make their homes and their neighborhoods safer by participating in these gun buyback programs.”
Murphy and \Bruck are leading a comprehensive, statewide effort to reduce gun deaths, which pairs the latest evidence-based policing strategies with innovative, community-based prevention programs. The three-pronged approach to tackling this public health crisis includes addressing the root causes of violence; keeping guns away from those most likely to harm others; and taking swift action against those who break the law.
"The gun buyback program is a piece of a comprehensive and cooperative law enforcement initiative that is committed to reducing gun violence statewide through enforcement, education, and community partnership," said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.
“Less guns on the street means less violence in our communities – it is as simple as that,” said Lyndsay V. Ruotolo, director of the Division of Criminal Justice. “The gun buyback program is an opportunity for community members to actively participate in our violence reduction efforts, and we in law enforcement welcome their assistance.”
