The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office is hosting a gun buyback event this weekend in Bedford-Stuyvesant, offering up to $500 for operable firearms as part of ongoing efforts to reduce gun violence.
The event, held in partnership with the NYPD, is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 574 Madison St. Participants can turn in working guns and assault rifles in exchange for a $500 bank card.
Other firearms, including ghost guns, shotguns, and air guns, will also be accepted for lesser amounts. No identification is required, and all transactions will be anonymous, according to the DA’s office.
“Brooklyn made historic progress in reducing gun violence last year, with shootings at their lowest level on record and homicides significantly down,” District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said. “Our gun buyback events have played a meaningful role, with more than 500 firearms turned in over the past few years. This Saturday, every New Yorker has an opportunity to safely turn in a gun, reduce the risk of harm, earn some money, and help make our neighborhoods safer.”
The DA noted that firearms must be unloaded and brought in a paper or plastic bag or box to participate in the buyback. Those transported by car must be stored in the trunk. Law enforcement officers and licensed gun dealers are not eligible to participate.
Participants can receive a $200 bank card for each ghost gun or 3D-printed firearm, with a maximum of two per person. A $75 bank card will also be given for each rifle or shotgun, while air guns, imitation pistols, and non-operable firearms will be eligible for a $25 bank card. Each person can turn in up to three firearms in total.
Cornerstone Baptist Church Pastor Lawrence E. Aker III reaffirmed the church’s commitment to public safety. “We will continue to collaborate to create a safe community and improve the quality of life for all of Brooklyn,” he said in a statement.
The buyback event comes as citywide shootings have reached record-low levels in early 2025. According to the NYPD, there were 140 shooting incidents in the first quarter of the year, a 23.1% decrease from the 182 reported during the same period in 2024.
Despite the overall decline, Brooklyn North patrol saw a surge in violent crime last month, with homicides up 40% and shootings rising 16%, according to police data. In the 79th Precinct, which covers where Saturday’s event takes place, shooting incidents are down by 25% compared to last year.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez.File photo by Colin Mixson
In a statement, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch credited programs like the buyback initiative for helping reduce gun violence. “Each gun removed is a life potentially saved, a tragedy averted — and a step toward safer communities,” she said, noting that police have recovered more than 1,300 illegal firearms so far this year and more than 21,000 over the past three years.
However, youth involvement in gun violence remains a major concern, NYPD Chief of Crime Control Strategies Michael LiPetri said at an April 3 press conference. He reported that the number of youths injured by gunfire in the first quarter of 2025 was up 133% compared to 2018, while the number of young perpetrators involved in shootings increased by 112%. Arrests of minors for firearm possession also rose by 94%, he said.
NYC Spring Bucket List: 25 Amazing Activities to Do This Spring!
Springtime in NYC is always special. It’s the perfect time to explore the city’s parks, gardens, museums, and unique city streets. From cherry blossoms to hidden gems, we’ve put together a spring bucket list to share the best places for families to check out this spring. Get ready to enjoy all that the season has to offer!
1. Check out the stunning cherry blossoms popping up all over the city this spring. You can catch these beautiful blooms at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Riverside Park, Central Park, and, of course, the famous cherry blossom trees at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and New York Botanical Garden.
2. Curious about the story behind New York City’s most iconic park in the sky? Visitors can uncover the secrets of the High Line by joining a free tour led by High Line Docents, who give you an insider’s look at the park’s history, design, and beautiful views.
3. Hop on a ferry and head over to Brooklyn Bridge Park for the ultimate New York experience. Then, stop by Jane’s Carousel for a ride, enjoy a relaxing picnic with stunning views of the city, and capture the perfect selfie with the iconic Brooklyn Bridge as your backdrop.
4. Go for a ride to the Long Island’s Vanderbilt Museum in Long Island. Join Ranger Eric Powers and Mike Evans for their Wilderness Survival Series to learn essential survival skills like shelter building and water purification. Check out Wendy Klemperer’s Wrought Taxonomies, the museum’s first outdoor sculpture exhibition, featuring striking animal sculptures made from recycled materials.
5. Take a trip to the city’s best “islands”! Explore Roosevelt Island, Governors Island, and Little Island for a day full of fun. Have a BBQ at Lighthouse Park on Roosevelt Island, check out The Yard for some creative, unstructured play on Governors Island, and enjoy the beautiful flowers in bloom at Little Island.
Courtesy of CityPickle at Wollman Rink
6. If you have an art lover in your family, you’ll want to visit MoMA PS1 in Long Island City, where you can spend the day exploring contemporary art exhibitions. Plus, New York residents can enjoy free admission.
7. Check out the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation at the American Museum of Natural History. See soaring architecture, immersive exhibits, and highlights like the insectarium and butterfly vivarium. Don’t miss the new Stegosaurus fossil, “Apex,” one of the most complete specimens ever found.
8. Check out CityPickle, which returns to Wollman Rink in Central Park starting April 4. With 14 pickleball courts for all skill levels, it’s a great family outing. Enjoy $5 Community Play, free paddle rentals, and new kids’ summer camps to keep the little ones active. Plus, special events celebrate the rink’s 75th anniversary.
9. Visit The Met Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park, where you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Hudson River. Walk through peaceful gardens with a collection of medieval art and Renaissance European artifacts, ideal for those interested in history and art.
10. While April showers bring May flowers, unwind at one of NYC’s cat cafes and hang out with some friendly felines while waiting for the rain to pass. The Meow Parlor in the Lower East Side and the Brooklyn Cat Cafe near Brooklyn Bridge Park are popular spots where you can also adopt!
11. Take a walk through the New York Botanical Garden’s expansive outdoor spaces and exhibits, including The Orchid Show: Mexican Modernism (through April 27). On Tuesdays, and Thursday through Sundays, NYC residents can access the outdoor gardens, collections, and seasonal kids’ activities with the Grounds Access Pass, which gives you access to the outdoor gardens, collections, and seasonal kids’ activities. On Wednesdays, it’s free for NYC residents all day.
Dumbo Projections/Julienne Schaer
12. For breathtaking views of NYC, head to Edge NYC at Hudson Yards, home to the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. After taking in the stunning panoramic views, take some time to explore the shops around Hudson Yards or grab a bite at one of the great restaurants nearby.
13. Climb the giant sturgeons at Pier 26 Science Playground, a 4,000-square-foot marine-themed play area in Hudson River Park. It’s a fun, educational spot where kids and adults can explore wildlife, slide, and learn about the Hudson River’s nature and habitat.
14. Summer at Coney Island is always a blast, but spring can actually be even better! You’ll beat the crowds and still enjoy all the fun. Check out the live sharks at the New York Aquarium, then ride on the iconic Cyclone roller coaster before heading home.
15. Stroll along Gansevoort Peninsula, Manhattan’s first public beachfront! Opened in 2023, it’s the biggest standalone recreational spot in Hudson River Park, with awesome waterfront views and a great place to hang out.
16. Take a walk through the streets of Dumbo and explore its vibrant art scene. Check out the Dumbo Projection Project and the famous Dumbo Walls to the stunning stained glass Watertower sculpture atop 20 Jay Street, you’ll find something cool and creative at every corner.
17. Catch a ballgame this spring! The Mets’ home opener is on April 4, while the Yankees kick off their season at home on March 27. For a more affordable option, check out the Brooklyn Cyclones or Staten Island FerryHawks, whose minor league games also start in April.
18. Get up close to animals from all over the world at the Bronx Zoo! Explore everything from rare species to familiar creatures, and then take your visit to the next level by adding the Nature Trek, a scenic route that features wooden bridges, tunnels, and elevated walkways, giving you stunning views of the zoo and the surrounding park.
19. Enjoy a trip to Far Rockaway Beach, where you can relax on the boardwalk and take in the views. If you’re into skating, check out the 15,700-square-foot concrete skatepark, complete with stairs, rails, and ledges. Just don’t forget your skates and safety gear!
Courtesy of MoMA PS1 Noel Woodford
20. Discover the hidden waterfalls of Central Park. There are five in total, tucked away in the beautiful Ravine, part of the park’s North Woods, a peaceful, natural area with tranquil streams, lush greenery, and cascading waterfalls.
21. Visit The Seaport for a day of fun! Explore The Imagination Playground, check out the New York City Police Museum, or hop on a New York Water Taxi for a scenic ride. Pack a picnic and head over to Governor’s Island for even more adventures.
22. Check out the Cradle of Aviation Museum on Long Island, where you can explore planes from the early days of flight to World War I and beyond. Kids can have fun with flight simulators, climb into cockpits, and check out interactive exhibits.
23. Visit the SeaGlass Carousel at The Battery, a totally unique ride featuring 30 glowing fiberglass fish. Located at the park’s southern tip, the carousel is housed in a cool, nautilus-shaped pavilion and gives off an underwater vibe with color-changing lights and special effects. It’s a must-see spot for springtime fun.
24. Road trip to Legoland New York in Goshen. Just over an hour from NYC, this huge, fun-filled park contains seven awesome themed areas like Bricktopia, Ninjago World, and Lego Pirates. Kids can cool off at the Lego City Water Playground or explore interactive models in Miniland. The Dragon Roller Coaster is always a hit, and little ones will love the playgrounds.
25. Experience Fleet Week and get an inside look at real Naval ships. From Friday, May 23 to Monday, May 26, 2025, the Memorial Day weekend will feature events such as the Parade of Ships, a Top Gun screening on the flight deck, and a ceremony honoring service men and women.
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