More than 525 unwanted guns are collected in buyback amnesty event

Photo Courtesy of Union County
Union County Prosecutor William Daniel and Union County Board of County Commissioners Chairperson Alexander Mirabella join up with Commissioner Chris Hudak, Union Department of Public Safety director Andrew Moran, Union County Sheriff Peter D. Corvelli Jr. and other county and local officials on the morning of Tuesday, Oct. 26, on the occasion of more than 525 weapons having been collected on Saturday, Oct. 23, during the Union County Gun Amnesty Buyback event.

UNION COUNTY, NJ — Union County’s 2021 Gun Amnesty Buyback event was a success, with residents turning in more than 525 unwanted guns in exchange for rewards of as much as $250 per weapon. The countywide event was on Saturday, October 23, at locations in Elizabeth, Plainfield and Westfield.

No questions were asked, and guns in any condition were accepted.

“I want to thank all of the residents who participated in the event, as well as the law enforcement officers who worked to create a safe environment for those returning guns,” said Union County Commissioner Chairperson Alexander Mirabella. “We hope this event raises awareness about the importance of getting unwanted guns off our streets and out of our neighborhoods.”

“Dedicated collaboration between state, county and local organizations made Saturday’s three gun-buyback events a success,” said Union County Prosecutor William Daniel. “The enthusiastic participation of community members highlights the importance of fostering relationships between law enforcement agencies and the citizens we serve, as we work towards our common goal of safer communities. We look forward to hosting more events in the future.”

“Gun buybacks are an important part of the gun safety toolkit, along with reasonable, commonsense regulations that reduce the threat of gun violence and prevent criminals from accessing guns,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, the chairperson of the commissioner board’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee. “This was a collaborative effort, and I want to thank everyone involved.”

The Union County Gun Amnesty Buyback program was supported by the Union County Board of County Commissioners and sponsored by the Union County prosecutor and the Union County sheriff with the Union County Division of Police and the police departments of the cities of Elizabeth, Plainfield and Westfield.