A weekend gun buyback in western Jefferson led to 120 weapons turned in for money.
Jefferson County Bessemer Cutoff District Attorney Lynneice Washington’s office led the initiative, and teamed up with the Bessemer Police Department, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Rev. Jonathan McPherson of World Overcomers Christian Church to hold the event.
Washington said she had been warned to not expect many guns to be turned in. She said she was overwhelmed at what actually transpired on Saturday.
“We were amazed at the number of people who came out. The community really showed up and showed out,’’ she said. “I think people are sick and tired of gun violence.
The gun buyback was held from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday at the Bessemer Civic Center as part of National Gun Violence Awareness Weekend.
The faith-based community, Washington said, raised the money to be able to buy the gift cards that were given to those who turned in guns.
A $50 gift card was given for inoperable firearms. A $100 gift card was given for handguns, rifles, and shotguns. A $200 gift card was giving for fully automatic weapons or ghost guns.
A ghost gun is an untraceable firearm that can be bought online and assembled at home.
“We actually got two ghost guns, which nobody thought would happen,’’ Washington said.
The event was basically a drive-thru operation. Those turning in guns were instructed to have the weapons unloaded and in the trunk of their vehicle.
Plainclothes officers and investigators would retrieve the gun from the vehicle. The person turning in the gun would get a card with the number of guns surrendered and their worth.
Participants were given an identifying number so that authorities would never know their name.
“I didn’t want to scare public,’’ Washington said. “I wanted to keep their trust and confidence.”
At the second stop, those turning in guns received their gift cards, a free gun lock and literature on gun safety.
The district attorney’s office is recording the serial numbers of the surrendered guns to see if any of them were stolen. Once that process is complete, the weapons will be destroyed.
“I think people are tired of the senseless gun violence and they saw a means of getting out the guns in their homes the guns in their homes,’’ Washington said. “We are in the summer months which means school is out and there be more young people at home. That’s why we gave out the gun locks.”
Washington said she plans to hold similar buybacks in the future.
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