More than 200 Guns Off The Streets In Bed-Stuy Gun Buyback: DA

BED-STUY, BROOKLYN — A gun buyback event on Saturday resulted in more than 200 guns taken off the streets according to the Brooklyn District Attorney's office.

A total of 206 guns, including 130 pistols, several assault rifles and five so-called ghost guns, were turned in by residents, according to the DA's office.

Residents received up to $500 and an iPad for doing their part in helping remove guns from the cycle of violence, officials said.

“This unprecedentedly successful Gun Buyback is a testament to what we can achieve when the community, local businesses and law enforcement come together," said Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. "We know that fewer guns in our neighborhoods means less gun violence, and these 206 guns will be destroyed so they can never do harm. Public safety is a shared responsibility and I’m grateful that the Brooklyn community joined forces this holiday season to promote safer, healthier communities that are free from gun violence.”

A donated from the Oyate Group, an anti-poverty non-profit, provided funding for the buyback rewards, which included an additional $150 for each operable rifle or shotgun and $50 for BB guns.

Officials did not ask for any identification and the guns will not be tested for DNA or other identifying information prior to being destroyed, the DA's office said.

Saturday's event was the third gun buyback program to be held in Brooklyn this year, resulting in a total of 315 guns taken off the streets, officials said.