New York gun buyback to offer up to $500 per weapon surrendered

In a move being billed as a bid to keep people safe, the New York State Attorney General's Office has announced a statewide gun buyback that will provide financial incentives to surrender firearms.

"In her ongoing efforts to protect New Yorkers from gun violence and keep communities safe, New York Attorney General Letitia James is hosting the first-ever statewide community gun buyback in New York on Saturday, April 29," a press release states. "This statewide initiative is part of Attorney General James’ efforts to combat gun violence and protect people from harm. To date, Attorney General James has helped remove more than 4,000 guns from New York communities since 2019."

There will be nine different locations around the state where people can get prepaid gift cards if they turn over guns during the buyback on April 29.

So-called assault rifles and ghost guns will fetch $500 each. The first handgun each individual turns over will also earn them $500, but they will only be compensated $150 for additional handguns. Those who turn in rifles or shotguns can get $75 per weapon. And "non-working, replica, antique, homemade, or 3D printed" guns will fetch $25 apiece. There is no cap on the maximum number of guns people can turn over.

"This is an amnesty program, in which no questions will be asked about the person dropping off the gun," the press release notes.

Last month, James made headlines because her office hosted a drag story hour event in New York City.

"New York Attorney General James, together with a broad coalition of advocacy organizations and elected leaders, today stood proudly in unwavering support of the LGBTQ+ community and hosted a first-of-its-kind Drag Story Hour Read-A-Thon for families in New York City," a press release declared last month.

"Nearly 200 guests enjoyed four back-to-back Story Hours hosted by the Drag Kings, Queens, and Royalty of Drag Story Hour NYC at The Center, which has been a home and resource hub for the LGBTQ+ community and allies since its founding in 1983. Attorney General James was joined by local elected officials, including Assemblymembers Tony Simone and Grace Lee, New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, Council Members Erik Bottcher, Shekar Krishnan, and Crystal Hudson," the press release stated.

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