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.
###
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