CONYERS, Ga. — Trying to get illegal guns off the streets, on Saturday, the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office started a week-long gun buy-back program in Rockdale and Newton counties, but it is gaining mixed reactions.
The Rockdale County Sheriff posted a flyer on Facebook offering $50 for short guns and $75 for long guns. The post indicated that all guns must be in working condition and that no questions would be asked.
The post from earlier in the week quickly gained a lot of traction.
Questions coming from posters online include, "where are funds coming from?" and "will the program really prevent crime?"
Some posters were very upset with the fact that churches were participating in the gun buy-back effort.
"Report this post," demanded one poster. "What happened to separation of church & state?"
"I am not or will not be using taxpayer money for this gun buy-back event," Rockdale County Sheriff Levett said in a post online, responding to critics. "This event has nothing to do with politics!! Especially when it comes to saving lives and having a safer community."
Levett also referenced the three teenage boys who were recently killed in Rockdale County.
Investigators said a Conyers homeowner shot them last month after the boys allegedly attempted to rob him.
The sheriff said one of the teens was "in possession of an illegal gun."
People in the community also seemed to be split on whether the gun buy-back was an effective solution.
"I think any chance to get guns off the street is a chance to prevent violence or potential injuries in the neighborhood," said one neighbor.
"I don't think it'll work," another pointed out. "I don't think it'll have any influence on the crime or anything."
The buy-back runs from 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday, October 26 and Saturday, November 2 at these locations:
- Rockdale County:
- Excel Church
1151 Flat Shoals Road SE
Conyers, GA 30013 - Springfield Baptist Church
1877 Iris Drive SE
Conyers, GA 30013
- Excel Church
- Newton County:
- Bethlehem Baptist Church
2177 Usher Street NW
Covington, GA 30014 - Covington Marketplace
(Kroger Shopping Center)
3700 Salem Road
Covington, GA 30016 - Nelson Heights Community Center
270 Rosewood Circle
Covington, GA 30016
- Bethlehem Baptist Church
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