Officials tackle gun violence in Philly with buyback program

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - For many communities across Philadelphia, gun violence remains a harsh reality.

Homicides are down 15 percent citywide compared to this time last year--127 down from 149--but up 26 percent across Southwest Philadelphia. As of mid-June 2018, that area has seen 43 homicides, up nine from the year before.

About 82 percent of those homicides involve guns, the leading cause of death for young black men between the ages of 20 and 24.

MORE: Bills to combat gun violence advance in Pa. House | Gov. Wolf unveils $1.5M grant program to reduce gun violence | Philadelphia police create new gun task force

Now, several local officials are teaming up in an effort to help curb the violence.

State Sen. Anthony Williams (D-Delaware County) and Philadelphia Police Inspector Derrick Wood joined Good Day Philadelphia to discuss the Safe Summer Gun Buyback program, which will be held Saturday in Southwest Philadelphia.

Residents are welcome to turn in any type of gun, with no questions asked.

The state is offering $100 gift cards for traditional rifles and shotguns and $200 gift cards for handguns and assault weapons.

The event is slated to run from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Abiding Truth Ministries.

Below are current Philadelphia gun violence statistics, as provided by the 12th and 18th Districts.

18th District - West Philadelphia

12th District - Southwest Philadelphia

Citywide Statistics

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For resources for victims of violence in Philadelphia, see here.