HARLEM, NEW YORK – At Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Harlem, New Yorkers turned in their guns for cash and a good cause in the city’s first Cash for Guns program Saturday.
About 60 people were dropping off their guns at Mt. Carmel for a variety of reasons, including to make the streets safer, pick up some extra money or get rid of an old gun. “There are no age limitations to bringing in an uninsured gun and there are no questions asked,” a police officer said.
The gun donors received a $200 gift card per gun.
“I found this program beneficial because it will help the crime rate (decline) in New York City,” said John Defalco, a 43-year-old Long Island resident, noting he learned about the program from Fox News.
His pistol belonged to his close friend’s deceased brother. Defalco said he not only turned in the gun for the money but for his own safety.
Leon, a 35 year old from Harlem, turned in a gun he held for a year because he didn’t know what to do with it anymore. “I mean who wouldn’t want money?,” he said. He added that he didn’t believe the program was that beneficial for society.
“The younger generation wouldn’t come and turn in the guns because they are still using (them). The only people who will turn in their guns are the older generation; the people not using it,” Leon said. He said that since he turned in his gun he was afraid the police might remember his face and harass him.
Meanwhile, an officer nearby said it didn’t matter how old you are because it’s a good cause.
