100+ Assault Weapons And Handguns Surrendered At Gun Buyback Event

BOHEMIA, NY — Over 100 guns were surrendered at "no questions asked" gun buyback event in Bohemia last weekend where money was exchanged for guns, according to Attorney General Letitia James.

James said 111 firearms were turned in at the event, including 11 assault weapons, 51 handguns, and 39 long guns.

In a statement, James said the event is part of an "ongoing effort to help protect New York communities from gun violence and to keep families safe," as firearms have been the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 17 continuously since 2020, according to Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions. Since taking office in 2019, James has removed more than 8,400 guns from New York state, according to her office.

"Gun buyback events empower local community members to be a part of the solution against gun violence and turn in unwanted firearms with no questions asked," James said. "Every one of the guns collected today is an effort to keep New Yorkers safe from the scourge of gun violence facing our communities. I thank the New York State Police, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, and my partners in local government for their commitment to protecting New York families. Together, we will continue to work towards a safer community for everyone, especially our children."

Working and non-working unloaded firearms were accepted on a "no questions asked" basis in exchange for money in the form of prepaid gift cards. Anyone surrendering a firearm received $500 per assault rifle, $250 per handgun, $75 per rifle or shotgun, and $25 per non-working, replica, antique, homemade, or 3D printed gun. Those who surrendered homemade or 3D printed guns were paid a total of $25, regardless of how many were turned in.

"Buyback programs are a proven tool in reducing gun violence by removing illegal and unwanted firearms from our streets," said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. "Thank you to Attorney General Letitia James and the New York State Police for partnering with us on this important initiative. Together, we are taking meaningful steps to ensure that Suffolk County’s communities remain safe for all residents."