Hudson County 'Gun Buy Back' Will Offer Up To $250 Per Firearm

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez announced that her office will be holding a "Gun Buy Back" program simultaneously at two safe locations on Saturday, Oct. 20. The program is cosponsored by the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, the Jersey City Police Department, and the Union City Police Department, as well as a corporate co-sponsor, the Jersey City Medical Center-RWJBarnabus Health and two faith-based hosts.

According to the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office, Hudson County residents can anonymously surrender a maximum of three firearms for up to $250 cash per weapon. No questions will be asked.

The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at two safe locations — Heavenly Temple Church of God located at 15 Martin Luther King Drive in Jersey City, and St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church located at 615 8th Street in Union City.

Law enforcement officers will be stationed at both locations to assist with the valuation of the weapons. They will also help to collect and secure all firearms, prosecutors said.

The Hudson County Gun Buy Back program is part of a larger effort to keep New Jerseyans safe from violent criminals by the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General and the prosecutors in each of New Jersey’s 21 counties.

“Gun Buy Back events provide residents with a simple and efficient way to dispose of an unwanted firearm and they generate an atmosphere of trust between police and the community,” Prosecutor Esther Suarez said. “We appreciate the collaboration of our law enforcement partners and the participation of the event hosts and the co-sponsors to help keep our communities safe and to make this event a success.”

Suarez thanked the program’s corporate co-sponsor — Jersey City Medical Center-RWJBarnabus Health — as well as all the law enforcement agencies for lending their assistance and expertise. She also thanked the two churches, St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church and Heavenly Temple Church of God, for their willingness to host the Gun Buy Back program.

“Jersey City Medical Center is committed to building a healthier community beyond the walls of our hospital,” said Michael Prilutsky, president and CEO of Jersey City Medical Center. “Addressing violence in the community by cosponsoring the Gun Buy Back program is just one way that we demonstrate this commitment.”

For additional information about the Gun Buy Back Program contact the Office of the Hudson County Prosecutor at 201-324-6215, or visit the Prosecutor’s Office website at www.hcpo.org. All inquiries will be kept confidential.

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