Syracuse Gun Buyback Yields 638 Firearms

New York – A massive firearms collection took place today in Syracuse as the state’s Office of the Attorney General (OAG), the New York State Police, and the Syracuse Police Department collaborated to reclaim 638 guns from the streets. This is a significant step in Attorney General Letitia James’ relentless battle against gun violence.

Attorney General James has been instrumental in removing over 9,000 firearms from circulation since taking office, with today’s event being another testament to her commitment to public safety. ‘Gun buyback events are vital tools that empower communities to contribute to the solution of gun violence,’ AG James stated.

The collection at Syracuse included a staggering array of weapons: 130 assault rifles, 333 handguns, two ghost guns, and 150 long guns. This brings the total number of firearms recovered by Attorney General James’ office to over 9,000 since 2019.

Local officials echoed the sentiments of AG James, with Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh emphasizing the importance of every strategy in reducing gun violence. ‘Gun buybacks are an essential part of our approach,’ said Mayor Walsh. ‘This program provides a safe way for individuals to dispose of unwanted firearms, making our neighborhoods safer for everyone.’

Syracuse Police Chief Joe Cecile also praised the efforts, stating that events like these are crucial in driving down gun violence numbers while protecting law-abiding citizens. ‘The partnership with Attorney General James is key to this success,’ said Chief Cecile.

Lateef Johnson Kinsey, Director of the Mayor’s Office to Reduce Gun Violence, highlighted the collaborative approach to combating gun violence. ‘We are committed to getting guns off our streets and making neighborhoods safer for all New Yorkers,’ he added. The buyback program is a prime example of how community partnerships can have a significant impact on public safety.