New Hanover County officials are considering a gun amnesty program designed to get stolen firearms off the streets by incentivizing community members to turn them in. This initiative aims not only to alleviate concerns about gun violence but also to provide peace of mind to individuals who may unknowingly possess stolen weapons, as program founder Chris Sutton emphasizes the importance of clarity in ownership.
The proposed program would allow residents to bring firearms for verification, offering gift cards in exchange for confirmed stolen guns with a guaranteed amnesty from criminal charges for those surrendering them. While officials recognize concerns over potential misuse, such as gun crimes linked to surrendered firearms, they stress that this program is intended to limit the presence of illegal weapons in the community. District Attorney Jason Smith notes that support is available for anyone interested in confirming the legality of their firearms.
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