A group of community activists has raised $1,000 to buy guns from owners in order to trim gun violence in Denver.
“We are saying, ‘Put the guns down and stop burying our babies,’ ” said Alvertis Simmons, president of the Denver Million Family March Organization.
The group will pay $50 per gun at an anti-violence and gun-buyback rally scheduled for noon Dec. 6, at the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial in Denver City Park.
The guns will be turned over to the police, said Denver police spokeswoman Sharon Hahn.
“Anybody can bring an illegal gun in at any time. Any time that illegal weapons are taken off the street, we are pleased,” she said.
The election of Barack Obama as president has created a climate of change, said the Rev. Patrick Demmer, pastor of Graham Memorial Community Church.
Demmer said he’s now asking community members to “step up” to fight violence on city streets.
Simmons’ organization contributed $500 to the effort, and the other $500 came from the Greater Denver Metro Ministerial Alliance.
The $1,000 is enough for 20 guns. Simmons issued a public challenge to members of the business community as well as Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony and Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall to contribute. Both have made public displays of support for Obama and the change he represents, Simmons said.
Supporters already have requested contributions from some private companies, but the companies have declined, said Denver City Council president Michael Hancock.
Hancock, who supports the plan, said he hopes the gun buyback generates excitement that will bring in contributions. “If we can get a few guns off the street, I will be pleased.”
The plan isn’t an attempt to infringe on the Second Amendment right to bear arms, said the Rev. Reginald Holmes of New Covenant Christian Church. Supporters of the plan want “Saturday night specials” and weapons that are used illegally, he said.
Tom McGhee: 303-954-1671 or tmcghee@denverpost.com
