Gun Buy Back Program Hopes To Make Streets Safer
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - With all the gun violence in South Florida, local officials and the police are hoping a gun buy back program this weekend will make a difference.
Anyone with an unwanted firearms is being encouraged to turn it in this Saturday at Athalie Range Park at 525 NW 62nd Street in Miami.
"We're pleading with the community to come out and bring guns," said Rev. Jerome Starling.
The Miami police department is teaming up Rev. Starling's "No More Stray Bullets" gun buy back program this weekend which is now in its 19th year. The idea is to get guns off the streets. Anyone can turn in a firearm, no questions asked.
"It's crazy. Rickia Isaac was killed in 1997 by stray bullet walking home from the Martin Luther King parade. Since then we've had Columbine, Virginia Tech, Newtown and now Orlando," said Rev. Starling.
Since Issac's death her uncle, Rev. Starling, has been on a mission to educate people about gun violence, the importance of getting them off the streets and to stop people from shooting them when innocent bystanders can be hurt.
The gun buyback program will come just two days before July 4th where traditionally, in South Florida, some people like to shoot guns into the air to celebrate. Those bullets have been known to injure, and in some cases, kill innocent people.
The buy back program will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those who drop off guns will receive a $50 gift card from various retailers.
"Everyone in this community needs to come together and put down their guns," said Rev. Starling.
A gun buy back program earlier this year in March brought in 128 guns and rifles. Reverend Starling hopes this weekend's event will be just as successful.
