HARTFORD–A gun buyback was held on Saturday in Hartford.
Overall, 104 firearms including assault weapons, pistols, rifles and shotguns were turned in.
The buyback took place on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Community Renewal Team, located at 555 Windsor St.
The buyback was held through a partnership between Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, Hartford Hospital and Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center. It is the sixth annual Give Us a Hand: Turn in a Gun.
In exchange for turning in an operable gun, residents received a Stop & Shop gift card. For assault rifles you can get a $200 gift card; for handguns and revolvers you get $100; and for shotguns or rifles you get $25.
Non-working guns, black-powder weapons, BB guns, flare guns, and ammunition could also be turned in but aren’t eligible for a gift card.
Guns must be unloaded, placed in a clear plastic bag, and inside a paper bag or box. All guns received are destroyed unless forensic testing confirms it has been used in a crime.
Over the past five years, more than 800 firearms have been collected through the program.
“We are proud to be holding our 6th Annual Gun Buyback for Connecticut residents,” said Dr. Brendan Campbell, director of pediatric trauma at CCMC. “It is our hope that this event will be both an opportunity for individuals to get rid of unwanted firearms, and a reminder for gun owners to make certain that their firearms are stored safely,” concluded Dr. Campbell.
