Evanston Offers Cash For Guns Again This June

Evanston officials announced Monday that the city is co-sponsoring a gun buyback program this summer, along with several community organizations.

The announcement of the gun buyback comes less than two weeks after the shooting death of former Evanston Township High School student Blake Ross, who was killed on the south side of Chicago Sunday, May 12. Police said his death could be tied to ongoing, gang-related violence in Evanston, and that he was a suspect in one of the recent shooting deaths in Evanston.

“When guns are used in criminal attacks, the outcomes are often irreversible and fatal,” the release said. “Guns are often used to settle disputes. Settling disputes with guns can have a devastating impact on communities and innocent victims."

"The access and availability of firearms is associated with an increased risk of suicide in the home."

Participants may turn in up to two guns and will receive $100 in cash for each firearm, according to a press release from the city. The program is amnesty-based, meaning there will be no police enforcement action taken as a result of someone turning in a weapon. 

June’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. 

That gun buyback program was 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. “Our town needs a makeover. Churches, parents, the community, the police—we need to come together.”

For this June’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.

The buyback runs from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, at Pope John XXIII School (St. Nicholas Church), 1120 Washington St. in Evanston. Funds will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis until 4 p.m. or until they run out.

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.