103 Guns Turned In At Successful Peekskill Gun Buyback Event

PEEKSKILL, NY — A community gun buyback event Saturday in Peekskill resulted in 103 firearms being turned in, including 9 assault weapons, 68 handguns, and 19 long guns.

The event was held at the United Methodist Church in Peekskill, where people surrendered the weapons — with no questions asked — in exchange for cash gift cards.

"Every one of the guns collected today is a step in the right direction to help safeguard New Yorkers from gun violence," Attorney General James said. "Gun buyback events empower members of the local community to turn in unwanted firearms with no questions asked, and to be a part of the solution to gun violence. I thank the New York State Police, Peekskill Police Department, Westchester District Attorney’s Office, and the Peekskill chapter of the NAACP for working with my office to ensure this event was a success. Together, we will continue to help protect New York families and remove unwanted guns from our streets."

Participants were offered money in the form of pre-paid gift cards: $500 for assault rifles, $250 for handguns, $75 for shotguns or rifles and $25 for non-working guns.

"Gun buybacks are essential components of broader gun safety goals that my office has set in Westchester County to reduce gun-involved incidents, including suicides," said Westchester County District Attorney Mimi Rocah said. "We are proud to participate in Attorney General James’ community buyback with our law enforcement and community partners in the state and in Peekskill to remove firearms from our streets out of potentially the wrong hands, and help keep communities safe."

Payment was subject to inspection and screening by onsite officials.

The event was hosted by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), the New York State Police, the Peekskill Police Department, the Westchster District Attorney's Office, and the Peekskill chapter of the NAACP.

Past events across the Hudson Valley have been met with remarkable success. The event is part of Attorney General James' stated effort to help protect New York communities from gun violence and to keep families safe. Following Saturday's gun buyback event, Attorney General James has helped remove more than 8,300 guns from New York communities.

"Thank you, Attorney General Letitia James for your unwavering commitment to make our city safer with this gun buyback event," said Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie. "The City of Peekskill and its dedicated Police Department are happy to partner with you and your team to remove dangerous weapons from our streets and ensure our city is safer from gun violence. Your dedication and perseverance in our community are appreciated."

The Peekskill NAACP co-sponsored the gun buyback program in the City of Peekskill.

"We thank Attorney General James for her leadership and commitment to this essential step towards fostering a safer, stronger community," said Priscilla Augustin, President of the Peekskill NAACP and Sophia L. Trott, Chair, Peekskill NAACP Criminal Justice Committee Branch #2170. "Every day, our neighborhoods face the risk of guns—both legal and illegal—falling into the wrong hands, especially our youth. By participating in this program, you have the power to make a real difference. Turn in your firearms, no questions asked, and receive compensation, knowing that your choice directly contributes to reducing the potential for gun violence in our community. This initiative is a meaningful way to create a safer environment for everyone, especially our children. While we acknowledge that while no single measure can end gun violence, programs like this, alongside continued community action, pave the way for significant change."