Mayor Craig A. Moe and Laurel Police Chief Richard McLaughlin announce a Gun Buy-back/Turn-in which will be funded and operated by the City of Laurel.  The City of Laurel and Laurel Police Department, with support from A New Life Church of Christ of Laurel and Prince George’s Chapter of the NAACP, have scheduled the Gun Buy-back/Turn-in for Saturday, June 29, 2013 between the hours of 9am and 1pm at the Laurel Armory which is located at 422 Montgomery Street, Laurel, Maryland 20707.  The City will be offering Visa Gift cards in exchange for any unwanted Firearms voluntarily turned in for disposal and destruction during the Gun Buy-back/Turn-in program.  Participants remain anonymous, no questions asked.

Mayor Moe, a member of the Mayors Against Illegal Guns Coalition, notes, “I believe these types of grassroots turn-in and buy back efforts afford local residents a chance to rid themselves of possibly illegal guns, but more importantly give them an opportunity to remove unwanted guns safely from their homes.” The Mayors Against Illegal Guns is a bipartisan coalition of about 950 city mayors from across the United States working to make America’s communities safer by keeping illegal and unwanted firearms out of dangerous hands.

"This initiative will help us to prevent a tragedy in the City of Laurel and the surrounding area," Police Chief Richard McLaughlin says. "As a result of the Gun Buy-back/Turn-in, someone’s life will undoubtedly be saved.”

Participating citizens should place all firearms, unloaded, in the trunk of their cars. A uniformed police officer will greet them and provide further instructions.  All unwanted firearms will be accepted, as will any unwanted ammunition. The weapons will be melted down and byproducts recycled.  You don't have to live in the City of Laurel to participate, all are welcome.

A Gift Cards for Guns initiative that took place at the St Mark’s Church, in Laurel in December 2012 netted over 150 weapons.

DATE:              Saturday, June 29

TIME:               9a-1p

LOCATION:     Anderson and Murphy Community Center – Laurel Armory

   422 Montgomery St, Laurel

WHAT:             Gift Cards for Guns, Gun Buy-back/Turn-in