Crime & Safety

Evanston Gun Buyback Takes Place Saturday

Several community organizations and the city of Evanston are teaming up to co-sponsor a gun buyback program June 29, at St. Nicholas Church.

Evanston residents who wish to turn in guns through a buyback program may do so this Saturday, June 29, in return for $100 cash. 

Participants are permitted to turn in up to two weapons from 12 to 4 p.m. at Pope John XXIII School (St. Nicholas Church), 1120 Washington St. Funds will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis until 4 p.m. or until they money runs out.

The program is amnesty-based, meaning there will be no police enforcement action taken as a result of someone turning in a weapon. 

Saturday's gun buyback will be the second gun buyback held in Evanston within the past six months.  In December, Evanston residents turned in a total of 45 firearms during a buyback program at Christ Temple MB Church

Find out what's happening in Evanstonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Both gun buyback programs have been spearheaded by Carolyn Murray, a longtime community activist whose 19-year-old son, Justin Murray, was shot and killed in Evanston in November.

“We no longer live in Mayberry,” Murray said after the buyback in December. “Our town needs a makeover. Churches, parents, the community, the police—we need to come together.”

Find out what's happening in Evanstonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

For this Saturday's gun buyback, weapons must be unloaded and in operational condition, according to a release from the city. Participants must also bring proof of Evanston residence, which could include a piece of mail, Evanston Public Library card, student ID or government-issued ID.

Participants may also bring in ammunition, ammunition clips and magazines, which should be kept separate from the weapon at all times, according to the release. Weapons should be transported in an inaccessible area of the vehicle.

Anyone who wishes to participate but is unfamiliar or uncomfortable with handling a firearm is asked to call 3-1-1 for help, and a police officer will come to retrieve the firearm. In that situation, amnesty still applies, according to the release.

Anyone who wishes to donate to support the gun buyback program may do so through the Evanston Community Foundation, online or by mail to Evanston Community Foundation, 1007 Church St., Ste. 108, Evanston, IL 60201.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.