North Charleston Police Hold First Gun Buy-back Program

Joyce Johnson has a personal reason for wanting guns off the streets. Her son was murdered in May of 2007, and the only evidence is the bullet left behind. Now, Johnson devotes her time to preventing more tragedy.

“I’m really fighting for some laws to change as far as gun control, and I’m also trying to start somewhat of a support group for the mother’s of murdered children as well.”

Another effort she’s part of is today’s buy-back. North Charleston police set up three drop off locations where people could get rid of unwanted weapons, no questions asked, and walk away with $100 gift card.

Police received a total of 242 guns, the majority being dropped off at Mount Moriah Baptist Church on Rivers Avenue. The pastor of that church, A.D. Robinson, said he was happy with the results.

“It’s unbelievable, and some of these weapons, they are scary just looking at them. So to know that many weapons are off the streets, out of homes that don’t need then, or don’t want them, it’s rewarding.”

And Johnson says this is only the beginning.

“I feel like another mother would not have to go through what I went through, and also the other mothers that are a part of this group.”

A group that she says hopes to teach people, through events like the gun buy-back, that we are all connected.