Washington, D.C. — New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand met today with Pastor Charlie Muller from the Victory Christian Church in Albany. Pastor Muller was selected for the FBI’s Director’s Community Leadership Award for his leadership of the Albany County handgun buyback program. Senator Gillibrand congratulated him and thanked him for his service in inner-city Albany.
“Pastor Muller has played an active role in keeping Albany safe,” said Senator Gillibrand. “All New York children should have the opportunity to grow up in safe neighborhoods. Pastor Muller’s work helps many Capital Region families sleep a little easier at night. I will continue to work with Senator Schumer and the New York Congressional Delegation to keep illegal guns off our streets.”
Pastor Muller created the gun buy-back program in Albany in response to a shooting death in 2007 of Kathina Thomas, a 10-year-old who was killed by a stray bullet. The program gives out $150 gift cards for stores in Crossgates Mall or Colonie Center to people who turn in their hand guns to the program. Pastor Muller operates this program in conjunction with Albany County law enforcement, and is funded through appropriations by the Albany County Legislature.