HARRISBURG, Pa. — The City of Harrisburg is planning to hold a one-time gun buyback program later this month.
Over the past month, the city has experienced a string of deadly shootings, including the deadly shooting of a 19-year-old pregnant woman and a mass shooting that killed two people a week later.
So far this year, deadly shootings in Harrisburg have claimed the lives of 10 people.
“We have a gun problem in our city and our streets, and we have a police force that is committed to fixing it," said Mayor Wanda Williams. “We have work to be done, and that is why we need your help.”
Harrisburg resident Rich Whaley said he is greatly concerned about the number of deadly shootings taking place in his community. He added that he wants Harrisburg Police to do whatever they can to prevent any further acts of violence.
“It’s just a sad situation," said Whaley. "I don’t really go out that much because of the violence. So, they really need to crack down on that.”
The last time the City of Harrisburg held a gun buyback was during Stephen Reed's tenure as mayor.
Police Commissioner Thomas Carter said the previous buyback worked to collect some guns, but not as many as they hoped to get. He is urging people to help with the program to prevent more people from dying due to gun violence.
“When you kill that one person, you also kill their family too," said Commissioner Carter. "On top of that, you also kill the family you come from because you’re either looking at capital punishment or life behind bars forever.”
The guns will be collected at the Omega Psi Phi fraternity house along State Street on June 22nd from 12-6 p.m. Each person who turns in a handgun will be given a $100 gift card.