Attorney General James Announces Community Gun Buybacks Have Removed More Than 10,000 Guns from New York

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that her office has removed more than 10,000 guns from New York’s streets through dozens of community gun buyback events hosted since 2019. Today, 606 firearms were turned in at a gun buyback event in Rochester hosted by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and the Rochester Police Department. This event is part of Attorney General James’ ongoing efforts to combat gun violence and keep New Yorkers safe. Since 2019, OAG’s gun buybacks have removed 10,534 guns from New York state.

“Taking dangerous weapons off the streets helps keep our communities safe,” said Attorney General James. “My office’s gun buyback events give New Yorkers a safe and secure way to rid their homes of deadly weapons and prevent them from falling into the wrong hands. Today, I am proud to announce that we have removed more than 10,000 guns through our buyback events. Every gun collected today was another life saved and potential tragedy avoided. I am grateful to the Rochester Police Department and the city of Rochester for their assistance with today’s buyback, and thank all our law enforcement partners across the state for their commitment to public safety.”

AG James announces community gun buybacks have removed more than 10,000 guns from New York

Some of the guns collected from Rochester gun buyback

“Every gun taken off the streets is one less opportunity for gun violence to devastate a family,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “Reaching 10,000 firearms recovered is a significant milestone, and I’m grateful to Attorney General James and the Rochester Police Department for their continued work to make our neighborhoods safer.” 

“An unwanted firearm ending up in the wrong hands is a public safety threat to our community,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “Gun buybacks are a way for Monroe County residents to safely dispose of these firearms and help prevent potential future tragedies. I want to thank Attorney General James and the Rochester Police Department for their ongoing efforts to curb gun violence and create safer communities across Rochester and Monroe County.” 

“I want to thank New York Attorney General James for her continued leadership in the areas of responsible gun ownership and enhancing public safety for all New Yorkers,” said Monroe County Clerk Jamie Romeo. “Community gun buyback programs are positive tools for law enforcement and responsible gun owners to keep unwanted firearms and rifles from falling into the wrong hands. Thank you again to our host, the Church of Love Faith Center, the City of Rochester, and RPD for their partnership and collaboration in this important endeavor.” 

“Church of Love Faith Center is committed to protecting and serving the Rochester community,” said Terrance Youmans Sr., Senior Pastor of Church of Love Faith Center. “We recognize our responsibility to be a catalyst for positive change by providing essential resources, building meaningful partnerships with community organizations, and working collaboratively to address local challenges. Through these efforts, we strive to create lasting, positive change and improve the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities throughout Rochester.” 

“Addressing violence and public safety is complex and requires collaboration at all levels of government,” said Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson. “Thank you, Attorney General James, for your work and partnership with RPD to ensure the success of the gun buyback program in Rochester to bring increased safety, security and prosperity to our neighborhoods. Due to the gun buyback program, along with other strategies and state investments, gun violence and violent crimes in Rochester have fallen to levels not seen in more than a decade and are outpacing the national decline. We still have much work to do, and any instance of violence is one too many, but these measures are resulting in safer neighborhoods and saving lives.” 

“Community engagement, gun safety laws, and voluntary gun buyback events help keep our communities safe,” said Senator Samra Brouk. “I am grateful to Attorney General James for joining us here in Rochester to hold today’s buyback event to collect dangerous firearms, prioritize safety, and build trust with our neighbors. I applaud the Attorney General’s Office for their leadership and deep commitment to preventing tragedies in New York state.” 

“Every family deserves to feel safe in their neighborhood, and that starts with taking thoughtful steps to prevent gun violence before it happens,” said Assemblymember Sarah Clark. “Projects like these are an important part of a broader effort to keep our communities safe and prevent tragedies. I’m grateful to Attorney General James for her continued leadership and the work she does to protect our families and build safer communities.” 

“Every life lost to gun violence is one too many,” said Senator Jeremy Cooney. “Community gun buybacks are about putting community safety first, preventing tragedies, and saving lives. That’s exactly what Attorney General James is doing. Under her leadership, New York State has removed more than 10,000 firearms from our streets. I’m grateful to have a strong partner in the Attorney General as we work together to help ensure our neighborhoods are safe.” 

“There are two quotes that we live by: ‘Peace UP, Guns DOWN!;’ and ‘Peace begins with ME!’” said Sirena Cotton, Founder/Executive Director of Roc the Peace. 

“Every firearm safely removed from a home or our streets represents an opportunity to prevent tragedy before it happens,” said Chiamaka Ikpeze, Executive Director of Rise Up Rochester. “At Rise Up Rochester, we see firsthand the devastating impact gun violence has on individuals, families, and entire neighborhoods. Efforts like this gun buyback are an important part of creating safer communities and giving residents a practical way to contribute to violence prevention.” 

“Safer communities are built through both immediate action and long-term investment,” said Dr. LaShunda Leslie-Smith, Rochester City Councilmember At-Large and Executive Director of Connected Communities. “Every firearm surrendered is one less weapon that could potentially contribute to violence in our neighborhoods. As a Rochester City Councilmember and Executive Director of Connected Communities, I know that lasting public safety requires more than removing guns from our streets. It requires investing in our young people, strengthening neighborhoods, and addressing the root causes of violence. I applaud Attorney General James for her leadership and for recognizing that every effort to prevent gun violence matters.” 

“Illegal guns continue to be a community concerns that we're hoping that a gun buyback is a small step in the bigger goal of eradicating gun violence in our communities,” said Zequa Tookes, Director of the City of Rochester’s Office of Violence Prevention. Events like gun buyback programs are great, however, it is imperative that we continue to invest in our communities, get out and build relationship with the people of our communities and provide early interventions for our youth who are most at risk of being impacted by gun violence.” 

Today’s buyback event in Rochester recovered 606 guns, including 44 assault weapons, 177 handguns, and 247 long guns. Following today’s gun buyback event, Attorney General James has helped remove 10,534 guns out of New York communities through more than 50 buyback events.