A total of 548 firearms were turned in at a community gun buyback event in Rochester, organized by New York Attorney General Letitia James in partnership with the Rochester Police Department. The event, held on October 19, was part of the Attorney General’s ongoing efforts to combat gun violence across the state.
Among the firearms collected were 32 assault weapons, 306 handguns, and 152 long guns. Since taking office in 2019, Attorney General James has helped remove more than 8,200 guns from communities across New York.
“Every one of the guns collected today is another potential life saved and tragedy averted,” Attorney General James said. “Gun buyback events empower local communities to remove unwanted firearms off our streets and out of our communities.”
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello echoed the importance of such events, emphasizing their role in broader public safety initiatives aimed at reducing gun violence. Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans added that gun buyback programs are a key component of efforts to make the city safer and encouraged more residents to turn in unwanted firearms.
The success of this event underscores the impact of community-led efforts to address gun violence, with support from state leaders like Attorney General James and local law enforcement.
U.S. Representative Joe Morelle, Senator Samra Brouk, and Rochester Police Chief David M. Smith also praised the event, highlighting the importance of reducing the number of firearms in circulation and keeping dangerous weapons out of the wrong hands.
Attorney General James reiterated her commitment to protecting New York families from gun violence, noting that the success of buyback programs contributes to safer communities.
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