Pittsburgh church fighting gun violence by buying back guns

PITTSBURGH — A gun buyback program will take place at the Holy Cross Episcopal Church on Monday -- the holiday that honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his message of nonviolence.

In November 2019, it was the scene of a double homicide on the corner of Kelly and Collier streets in Homewood, just outside the church.

“Does anyone not understand that to reduce gun violence, we need to get some guns off the street?” said Leon Haley, of the Episcopal Lutheran Alliance.

That’s what the gun buyback effort is all about. Church leaders are partnering with the Episcopal Lutheran Alliance, Homewood Ministries and Pittsburgh police.

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“At the end of the day, one homicide, one person getting shot is too many, and we know that over 90% of homicides are committed with firearms,” said Pittsburgh Police Chief Scott Schubert.

With the gun buyback, the church will pay up to $100 per firearm with no questions asked.

Channel 11 has learned police will be on hand to secure the church during the gun buyback and will then make sure the surrendered guns are properly disposed of.

The gun buyback will take place Monday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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