Dozens of people turn in guns at buyback event in Miami Saturday

Event organizers hope to keep guns off the streets

MIAMI ā€“ Mayor Tomas Regalado, city commissioners, and the Miami Police Department hosted the first official 2013 Gun Buy Back Operation of the year, in an effort to reduce gun violence and unnecessary injuries to citizens. The Miami Herald reports that 129 guns were collected and about 50 to 60 people showed up to the event.

"As a community we must take a stand against gun violence, and this campaign will help remove guns from our streets," said Mayor Tomas Regalado.

Firearms were dropped off at Model City NET (Jordan Grove Baptist Church) Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

No questions were asked, which means individuals could anonymously hand over the firearms.

In return, Heat tickets and gift certificates were provided by partner and sponsor, Dade Medical College.Ā 

"Thirty-three people across our country lose their lives every single day because they get shot," said Chief of Police Manuel Orosa.

"This shows how the community, the City of Miami and the Miami Police Department unite to promote safety," said Assistant Chief of Police Ricardo Roque.

This was the first of three Gun Buy Back events to be held in Miami.

On January 26th, another event will take place at Overtown NET (St. John Baptist Church) at 1328 NW Third Ave. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There will also be another gun buy back event on February 2nd, at Little Havana NET (San Juan Bosco Church) at 1301 W. Flagler St. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.