Bridgeport mayor kicks off largest gun buyback in city's history - WFSB 3 Connecticut
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On Friday, Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch and Bridgeport Police Chief Joe Gaudett announced the details of a special gun buyback event, the largest in city history, on Saturday.
The event is an effort to get dangerous weapons off the streets and out of homes.
Nearly $100,000 has been secured from the city, Bridgeport City Council, Bridgeport Housing Authority and private donors.
"Following last week's tragedy, it has become a national priority to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals," Finch said. "Chief Gaudett and I are encouraging city residents to turn in their guns so they don't fall into the wrong person's hands."
Police said they would offer $200 for a working handgun, and people turning in rifles would get $75.
Police said any weapon determined to be an assault-type rifle would be eligible for a higher rate of remuneration.
"Every gun that is turned in and destroyed is a gun that can't end up on the street in the hands of a criminal or in the hands of a young person who could injure himself or someone else," Gaudett said.
Police said there is a "no questions asked" policy that will allow anyone to turn in weapons anonymously without fear of being prosecuted for illegal gun possession.
BB guns and non-working guns will be accepted but won't be eligible for a gift card, police said.
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