Hartford collected nearly 70 guns during a buyback event to help reduce the number of unwanted firearms in the city Saturday.
The event was hosted at the Community Renewal Team at 555 Windsor Street in Hartford. Organizers said they collected 68 guns - 25 pistols, 20 revolvers, eight rifles, eight shotguns, three Derringer pistols, three assault rifles and one machine gun.
Stop & Shop gift cards were given to individuals who turned in an operable firearm.
A $200 gift card was offered for an assault rifle and a $100 gift card for a handgun or revolver. A $25 gift card was offered to those turning in a shotgun or rifle. Guns should be unloaded and placed in a clear plastic bag inside a paper bag or box.
Hartford hosts several gun buyback events throughout the year in an effort to curb gun violence in the city. Guns may be turned in anonymously.
Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin said gun violence is both a public safety and public health issue.
