Queens D.A. Melinda Katz Announces January 31 Gun Buyback in Jamaica, Offers $500 Per Weapon

QUEENS, NY — Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz has announced a significant gun buyback program scheduled for Saturday, January 31, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Mount Olivet Baptist Church located on Hollis Avenue in Jamaica. This initiative is a crucial component of ongoing efforts to reduce gun violence and enhance public safety across the entire borough, directly impacting the well-being of communities from Astoria to the neighborhoods along Cross Bay Boulevard.

The program offers substantial incentives for individuals to voluntarily surrender firearms, with up to $500 provided for each operable weapon. This includes a tiered payment structure: $500 for assault rifles and ghost guns, $150 for handguns, and $25 for rifles and shotguns. The buyback is entirely anonymous, with no questions asked about the gun's origin, ensuring a safe and confidential process for participants. This approach aims to remove dangerous weapons from circulation without fear of legal repercussions for those who comply.

Expanding Public Safety Initiatives Across Queens

The gun buyback program spearheaded by D.A. Katz is part of a broader strategy to combat rising gun violence that has affected various communities throughout Queens. While the event is physically located in Jamaica, its implications for public safety are borough-wide. Residents living along Cross Bay Boulevard, from Howard Beach to Broad Channel and the Rockaways, are encouraged to understand the value of such initiatives in creating safer environments. The removal of illegal or unwanted firearms from any part of Queens contributes to a collective reduction in potential violence, benefiting all residents.

Community leaders and law enforcement officials consistently highlight the effectiveness of gun buybacks in supplementing traditional policing methods. By providing a non-punitive avenue for gun disposal, these programs can intercept firearms that might otherwise be used in crimes or accidental shootings. The event's accessibility in Jamaica also serves as a central point for many Queens residents, including those who travel from the Cross Bay Boulevard corridor, demonstrating a commitment to making these opportunities available to a wide demographic.

Impact on Community Well-being and Crime Reduction

District Attorney Katz has repeatedly emphasized her office’s dedication to safeguarding Queens residents. "Every gun taken off our streets is a potential life saved and a safer community for all," D.A. Katz stated in a release regarding similar past events. The January 31 buyback aims to build on the success of previous programs that have collectively removed hundreds of firearms, contributing to a tangible reduction in gun-related incidents. For families and businesses operating near Cross Bay Boulevard, the impact of fewer guns in the borough translates to enhanced peace of mind and a more secure environment for daily activities.

The partnership with community organizations like Mount Olivet Baptist Church is vital, as it builds trust and encourages participation from diverse populations. These collaborations ensure that the message of public safety and opportunity for responsible firearm disposal reaches all corners of Queens, fostering a shared responsibility in crime prevention. The long-term goal is to cultivate a culture where gun violence is not tolerated, and community members feel empowered to contribute to a safer future for themselves and their neighbors.

Key Points:

• Queens D.A. Melinda Katz is hosting a gun buyback on January 31, 2026, in Jamaica.
• Participants can receive up to $500 per weapon, with specific amounts for different firearm types.
• The program is anonymous, with no questions asked about the guns.
• The initiative is part of a borough-wide effort to reduce gun violence, impacting communities including those along Cross Bay Boulevard.
• The event aims to enhance public safety and reduce crime across Queens.