Anti-Violence Activists Holding Gun Turn-In Program As Over 100 People Under Age Of 18 Shot In Philadelphia This Year
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Officials and activists agree: Philadelphia is in the midst of a gun violence epidemic. In response to undeniable statistics, they are hoping a gun turn-in program will get guns off the street and help save lives.
So far this year, 110 people under the age of 18 have been shot in Philadelphia -- three children in just the last three days.
Activists say it's up to the community to make a difference.
"We will continue to do what we have to do in Council to deal with the problems associated with too many guns on our streets," Philadelphia City Council President Darrell Clarke said in a statement. "But we cannot do this alone and neither can the police. We need citizens to do their part and exercise personal responsibility. If you know there is a gun in your residence and it has no legal purpose, take the gun and safely dispose of it at one of the locations we're announcing today."
The gun turn-in program began on Saturday. It continues next week.
See below for a list of date and times:
Saturday, Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Taylor Memorial Baptist Church
3817 Germantown Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19140
Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church
419 S. 6th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147