PHOTO: Saturday’s gun buy-back event in Laurelton netted nearly 90 firearms. Photo Courtesy of NYPD
By Michael V. Cusenza
Civic leaders, elected representatives, and borough law enforcement officials this weekend lauded the latest fruits of what seemingly has become a critical Big Apple tradition as 89 weapons—from high-powered rifles to Saturday Night Specials—were safely removed from city streets during a gun buy-back event in Laurelton.
Hosted by Queens District Attorney Richard Brown, City Councilman Donovan Richards (D-Laurelton), and the Police Department, the one-day program targeted illegal and unwanted guns through the offer of a $200 pre-paid American Express reward card for each eligible weapon surrendered on Saturday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Evangel Temple on Merrick Boulevard.
All transactions were completely anonymous – no questions asked.
“We have a ways to go, but it’s a start,” said Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman (D-Springfield Gardens). “More to come.”
According to the NYPD, some of the weapons that were taken off the street include 46 revolvers, 21 semi-autos, four rifles, two assault weapons, and two shotguns.
“Our streets in Queens are a little safer tonight,” Richards added before thanking the 105th Precinct and DA Brown.
Brown noted that for those that missed Saturday’s event the NYPD operates a cash-for-guns program in which individuals, excluding active law-enforcement personnel and gun dealers, can turn in any handgun, sawed-off shotgun, or an assault weapon that is in apparent operative condition at any time to any precinct, transit district, or police service area and receive $100. Anyone may surrender more than three guns, Brown said, but cash reimbursement will only be made for a maximum of a total of three weapons. No questions asked and no identification is required.
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