NEWBURGH – The latest Newburgh gun buyback event netted the city 59 guns including 38 working handguns.
This community weapons roundup, held on Sunday, was funded with a grant from State Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson (D, Newburgh).
There have been several other gun buybacks this year funded by State Attorney General Letitia James.
“The recent uptick in gun violence in the City of Newburgh is an issue of major concern, so I worked quickly to secure funding to host this buyback,” said Jacobson. “I was pleased so many individuals in our community chose to exchange their guns for gift cards that I hope will spread joy this holiday season.”
“We will never know the true measure of lives saved and trauma avoided by taking these guns off the street, but we do know for a fact that not o0ne o0f these guns will ever be used to harm anyone in our city,” said Police Chief Anthony Geraci.
Persons who turned in guns or rifles received either a BJ’s or Walmart gift card ranging from $50 up to $500 for a working handgun.
