Trade Guns For Cash At Newark Event, ‘No Questions Asked’

NEWARK, NJ — “Nothing good can come from holding on to an illegal gun.” According to Newark Public Safety Director Brian O’Hara, this is just one reason that people should take advantage of a gun buyback day on Saturday, Aug. 7.

Newark police will host a gun amnesty program from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Prudential Center, 25 Lafayette Street.

New Jersey residents can turn in up to three firearms with "no questions asked," getting as much as $250 per weapon. Police officers will be stationed at each buyback location to collect and secure the guns.

Residents with questions about the buyback effort can call the New Jersey Attorney General's Office of Constituent Services at (609) 984-5828 or visit www.njoag.gov/gunbuyback/.

• See related article: NJ Will Offer 'Cash For Guns' At 5 Upcoming Events

“Less guns on the street equals less violence,” O’Hara said. “And individuals who want to turn in firearms can do so with complete amnesty through this program.”

“Our primary objective in inviting people to volitionally turn in firearms is to keep our neighborhoods safe,” he said.

O’Hara said there will be “absolutely no questions asked” and no arrests will be made during the event in Newark. In fact, it’s hoped that the gun buyback program will end up reducing the number of arrests associated with weapon possession.

So far, Newark police have recovered 445 illegal firearms this year that involved 357 arrests.

“Giving people an opportunity to turn in firearms is a step in the right direction towards reducing gun violence,” Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said.

“This program allows individuals to be immediately rewarded for relinquishing a weapon that could otherwise end up injuring someone or resulting in a worse outcome,” Baraka added.

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