ICYMI: Framingham Hosts Gun Buy Back Initiative

FRAMINGHAM, MA—In remembrance of those who have lost their lives to senseless gun violence, the Framingham Police Department is joined by the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office, Mayor-Elect Yvonne Spicer and City Council-Elect Chair Dennis Giombetti in announcing that Framingham is hosting a Gun Buy Back Initiative on Saturday, April 28, 2018.

In an announcement, Framingham official reference the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting of Dec. 14, 2012, reminding us that 27 innocent victims lost their lives, including 20 children between six and seven. It is forever a reminder that unwanted and unsecured firearms in homes pose public health and safety risks to children, people with mental illness and those at risk from domestic violence.

In an effort to be a part of the solution, Framingham offers participants a chance to anonymously and safely dispose unwanted firearms and reduce the potential for accidental discharge or wrongdoing.

"The Gun Buy Back Program is an excellent idea for the City of Framingham," said Mayor-Elect Spicer in a statement. "As gun violence is of grave concern for communities across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Framingham's commitment to safety will always be a top priority and we are doing our part in solving the problem."

During the 2016 Guns for Gift Cards Initiative, 174 weapons and hundreds of rounds of ammunition were safely turned into the Framingham Police Department for proper disposal.

"I am so very pleased we will be holding our second Gun Buy Back Day especially after the success of the first one," said City Council-Elect, Chair Dennis Giombetti, in a statement. "Announcing it on the anniversary of one of the most horrific incidents in our nation's history serves as a reminder that the need to make our community safer has not diminished."

“The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office is proud to once again partner with our colleagues in Framingham,” said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian in a statement. “This initiative – and others we have assisted with across the county – are designed to allow residents to safely and securely remove unwanted firearms from their homes. The success of last year’s Buy Back – yielding 174 weapons – clearly showed this is an effort members of the Framingham community support.”

Chief Kenneth Ferguson said, “We look forward to this partnership with the Sheriff, City officials, and key
stakeholders. Anytime we can work collaboratively to make the community safer is a win for all.”

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