Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez and the NYPD, in Partnership with Attorney General and State Comptroller, to Offer $500 for Firearms at Gun Buyback

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez and the NYPD, in Partnership with Attorney General and State Comptroller, to Offer $500 for Firearms at Gun Buyback

Will be Held this Saturday in Clinton Hill, No ID Required, No Questions Asked
First 60 Participants Will Also get $100 Retail Gift Card

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and New York City Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, together with Attorney General Letitia James and State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, today announced that a Gun Buyback event will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Emmanuel Baptist Church, located at 279 Lafayette Avenue in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. Those who turn in operable handguns and assault rifles will receive a $500 bank card for each, while those relinquishing ghost or 3D printed guns will receive $200. In addition, the first 60 participants will receive a $100 retail store gift card.

Media availability will take place on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 4 p.m. (members of the press are asked not to arrive before 3:30 p.m.).

District Attorney Gonzalez said, "Brooklyn continues to improve on last year's record-setting lows in gun violence, with murders dropping by over 30% so far this year. This remarkable success is borne of a comprehensive strategy that combines enforcement actions with preventative, community-centered initiatives. Gun Buybacks are integral to our efforts as they allow anyone in the city to help reduce the number of firearms in our streets and homes, preventing potential tragedies and crimes. I encourage every New Yorker to take advantage of this opportunity, safely turn in a gun, and get some cash and a gift card to spend this summer."

Commissioner Tisch said, "Every gun recovered is a potential tragedy avoided and life saved. Thanks to the NYPD's precision policing strategy, and the men and women in uniform who do this dangerous work, we have removed over 2,700 guns from our streets so far this year and driven down gun violence and murders to record lows. We will continue to invest in these important programs with our law enforcement partners to make our communities safer."

Attorney General James said, "Gun buyback events encourage New Yorkers to be a part of the solution against gun violence by turning in unwanted firearms with no questions asked. The upcoming buyback event my office is coordinating with Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli is a step in the right direction toward a safer community for everyone, especially our children. My office will continue to work with our partners to protect New York families from gun violence."

State Comptroller DiNapoli said, "Keeping New Yorkers safe starts at home and fewer guns on our streets. This buyback gives people a safe and easy way to dispose of unwanted firearms while reducing the risk of accidents and gun-related crimes. Every gun turned in is one more step in the right direction. District Attorney Gonzalez's smart local strategy is making a big difference in Brooklyn. I look forward to partnering with him, Commissioner Tisch and Attorney General James on more creative ways to create safer communities."

Dr. Shareka N. Newton, Senior Pastor-Elect of Emmanuel Baptist Church, said, "I am from Brooklyn, and I know firsthand the difference a safe, caring community can make in the life of a young person. I was able to grow, dream, and become who I am because people in this community helped protect and nurture me. Hosting this Gun Buyback is one small but meaningful way Emmanuel Baptist Church can help provide that same opportunity for another child and another family. Gun violence steals talent, interrupts futures, and leaves families carrying wounds that can last for generations. I encourage every person who has an illegal firearm to help us make a difference: turn it in, remove a potential tragedy from our streets, and walk away richer; not only in cash, but in spirit and in the knowledge that you helped make Brooklyn and New York City safer."

The District Attorney said that his office and the NYPD will offer money in the form of a $500 bank card for each operable gun or assault rifle turned in (maximum three per person). There will be an offer of a $200 bank card for ghost guns or 3D printed guns (a maximum of two per person). Participants will also receive a $75 bank card for each rifle or shotgun and a $25 bank card for each air gun, imitation pistol or a non-operable firearm. The first 60 people will also receive a $100 retail store gift card, thanks to donations from the Attorney General's and Comptroller's offices.

No identification is required, and all transactions will be anonymous, no questions asked.

The bank cards will be issued after each firearm is received and screened by officers on site. Guns should be unloaded and packaged in a paper or plastic bag or a box when brought to the event. If transported by car, the guns must be kept in the trunk. Both working and inoperable weapons will be accepted. Active or retired law enforcement officers and licensed gun dealers are not eligible for this event.

Emmanuel Baptist Church is located two blocks from the Clinton-Washington Ave. Station on the G subway line and a block away from a B38 bus stop.

The event comes as Brooklyn is experiencing its safest year in modern history, building on record-lows set in 2025, when homicides, shooting incidents and shooting victims fell to their lowest levels since recordkeeping began. So far in 2026, those categories are down an additional 33%, 18% and 10%, respectively.

The DA's Office hosts periodic Gun Buybacks throughout the year in different Brooklyn neighborhoods. Over 700 firearms have been collected at these events over the past three years.

The District Attorney thanked Emmanuel Baptist Church Police Commissioner Tisch, Attorney General James and State Comptroller DiNapoli for their partnership.

#