944

 

 

Dear Washingtonians:

944.  That’s how many illegal guns the Metropolitan Police Department has taken off the street this year. In the last 30 days, MPD seized 102 illegal guns, including 10 just last weekend.

Last week, MPD confiscated an UZI from a home where children were present.  Two weeks before that, tragically, a three year old girl died because of an illegal gun in her home that was accessible to another child. 

Illegal firearms are responsible for the vast majority of homicides in the District, as guns continue to make their way into the hands of violent criminals.  MPD is working day and night to get these guns off the streets, where they don’t belong.  They are making progress, but they can’t do it alone. There are still too many guns in our community and we need the public’s help to find them. 

That is why, today, I announced that the District will increase the reward for tips that lead to the seizure of illegal guns and high capacity magazines from $1,000 to $2,500.  And starting today, MPD will offer a $10,000 reward for a tip that leads to an arrest and conviction in a shooting.  We will continue to offer a $25,000 reward for a tip that leads to an arrest and conviction related to a homicide.

If you know someone who has an illegal firearm, please call 202-727-9099 or text an anonymous tip to 50411. 

By helping us get guns off the street, you will help us prevent more tragedies.  Together, we are stronger.

 

Sincerely,

 Mayor Muriel Bowser

 

P.S. Here are three more things you can do to help us keep our community safe:

• If you witness a gun crime – or ANY crime - call 911 immediately
• Stay informed. Keep up to speed on what’s happening in your neighborhood and across the city by signing up for MPD’s neighborhood listserv groups HERE
• Spread the word about illegal guns to your friends and family by sending out this TWEET, or by sharing this FLYER.