Five things to know about the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s second gun buyback in Southwest Baltimore.
When and where will the buyback be held?
Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (or when funds run out to buy back guns) in the parking lot at 4624 Edmondson Ave., Baltimore, MD 21229 (the location of a close grocery outlet).
People with a firearm can simply arrive and line up to turn in weapons with no questions asked. A similar event last year secured more than 360 guns, including 158 handguns and 17 semi-automatic weapons. Police will pay $100 for handguns, rifles and shotguns, $200 for semi-automatic or automatic weapons.
Each of the weapons will be destroyed after collection.
What are the main goals of the buyback?
The buyback hopes to reduce the number of firearms in the community.
“We’re not under any illusion that we are going to stop all gun violence,” said one of the main organizers, Father Mike Murphy, pastor of St. Joseph Monastery and Our Lady of Victory. “But we’re trying to change the narrative and promote the message that life is sacred.”
Last year’s event raised more than $50,000 to purchase more than 360 firearms. The archdiocese’s goal this year is to raise $100,000. More than $60,000 had been raised as of July 30.
Who are the main sponsors of the buyback?
This round of buybacks grew out of an idea from a Catholic coalition, Health by Southwest, which includes leaders from St. Joseph Monastery, Mount St. Joseph High School, Ascension St. Agnes Hospital and My Brother’s Keeper (Catholic Charities).
How is this year’s buyback different from last year?
This year’s event will not include a community fair because the parking lot does not allow enough space.
How can I help or get involved?
To contribute, visit osvhub.com/sjmp/giving/funds/gun-buy-back-2024 or visit My Brother’s Keeper website at cc-md.org/get-involved/volunteer/ to volunteer in the community.
This story was update Aug. 7.
Email Gerry Jackson at gjackson@CatholicReview.org
Read More Local News
Copyright © 2024 Catholic Review Media
English
Spanish