Houston hosting third gun buy back event on Saturday

HOUSTON - Houston is to host its third gun buyback event on Saturday to get more guns off the streets.

Mayor Sylvester Turner announced the gun buyback will be held on Saturday at Deussen Park at 12303 Sonnier Street.

SECOND GUN BUYBACK: Houston's 2nd gun buyback program results in more than 1,200 firearms collected

The previous gun buyback event had a record turnout, with more than 1,200 firearms collected.

The joint event between Houston and Harris County is part of a coordinated effort to prevent gun violence.

Mayor Turner announced the event while at the Stop Gun Violence mural. "There are way too many guns on our streets," he says.

The gun buyback program is a part of the One Safe Houston initiative to help reduce crime around the city and prevent gun violence.

Officials say residents can turn in their firearms with no questions asked in exchange for gift cards of various prices.