65 Unwanted Guns Turned in During First Weekend of Regional Gun Buyback

65 Unwanted Guns Turned in During First Weekend of Regional Gun Buyback

MEDFORD, Mass. – Officials today announced 65 unwanted guns were turned in Saturday during the first weekend of a regional gun buyback initiative being held in eastern Middlesex County.

The guns were turned in at sites in Arlington, Belmont and Cambridge as part of the “Safer Homes, Safer Communities” initiative, which also includes Watertown and Somerville, where buybacks will be held over the next two weekends.  With nearly 20,000 suicides by firearm and 16,000 injuries related to unintentional shootings each year in the United States, this initiative is focused on providing residents a way to safely and securely dispose of unwanted firearms from their homes.

“I want to thank all our law enforcement, community and faith-based partners for their incredible work, both leading up to this first weekend and throughout the first day,” said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian.  “The weapons turned in Saturday included inherited rifles, handguns residents simply did not want in their homes anymore, as well as realistic-looking BB guns.” 

Since September 2013, 261 unwanted guns have now been turned in during gun buyback events in Arlington, Belmont and Cambridge.

"Every unwanted firearm removed from the home results in one fewer chance at tragedy," Arlington Police Chief Fred Ryan said. "I am very proud that the strong working partnership among municipal law enforcement and Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian's office has enabled us to take so many guns out of circulation and contribute to our joint public safety missions."

“The stories we heard from participants reinforced the importance of this community initiative,” said Cambridge Police Commissioner Christopher J. Burke.  “Whether it was finding a left behind gun in a newly purchased home or a family looking to keep their gun from accidently landing in their children’s hands, we are pleased that residents took advantage of this opportunity to make their homes safer.”

“I feel the event was truly a success and I want to express my sincere thanks to all our partners and volunteers within our community and also outside our community that contributed to make the event so successful,” said Belmont Police Chief Richard McLaughlin.  “I would also like to congratulate the communities of Arlington and Cambridge as well, for their successful events and look forward to the results from the events for Somerville and Watertown.”

Residents who missed Saturday’s buyback can turn in firearms during upcoming buybacks June 18 in Watertown at the First Parish Church (35 Church Street) or in Somerville on June 25 at the Department of Public Works (1 Franey Rd.).  Both buyback will run from 9 a.m. – 1p.m.

“We are excited to host our first gun buyback on the 18th and hope to have the success our surrounding communities have had with this event,” said Watertown Police Chief Michael Lawn.

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Additional Contacts:

Arlington Police         Captain Richard Flynn                                              781-316-3907

Belmont Police          Assistant Chief James MacIsaac                               617-993-2574

Cambridge Police      Dir. of Communications Jeremy Warnick               617-349-3237

Somerville Police       Deputy Chief Paul Trant                                           617-625-1600

Watertown Police     Lieutenant James O’Connor                                     617-972-6500